Gerry Beckley was a founding member of the band America, a trio that scored a #1 hit right off the bat with “A Horse With No Name” upon its release in early 1972.

Four of America’s first five album cracked the Billboard Top 10 on the album charts, and six of their singles hit the Top 10 including a second #1 in “Sister Golden Hair.”

While still a member of America, Beckley released his first solo album in 1995, and he continued to both record and tour with America until recently when he announced his retirement from touring.

His 10th solo album, entitled Gerry Beckley, was just released a couple of weeks ago and Jim Monaghan caught up with Gerry to talk about the new record, Tom Petty, his love of harmony singing, the Beach Boys, and more.