Gerry Beckley - ‘Beyond America’

Written by Aly Cook (Guest Writer) 

I grew up loving the band ‘AMERICA’ and the hit after hit they produced. Never in my wildest dreams did I think one day I would get the chance to meet a member of the band. Although I've worked with many ‘famous folks’ in my time as a publicist and promoter. This work was special as the songs of ‘AMERICA’ we so instilled in my own musical work, the rich layers of harmonies I learned so much from in my own writing. 

 I wore my copy LP Of America build in part who I am musically today. America (1971) – with “A Horse with No Name” and “I Need You,”, Homecoming (1972) – with “Ventura Highway” and “Don’t Cross the River,” 
Hat Trick (1973) – with “Muskrat Love”, Holiday (1974) – with “Tin Man,” Hearts (1975) – with “Sister Golden Hair” written by Gerry.  I wore the grooves of those LPs out!

The amazing opportunity came during lockdowns and as the border opened briefly between New Zealand and Australia in April 2021. My task was to do the promotion on a Gerry Beckley solo album released in Australia and New Zealand by Tasman Records under exclusive license from LA label Blue Élan Records.  That beautiful album was called ‘Keeping the Light On’. 

From this came a discovery of just what a prolific songwriter Gerry Beckley is.

 Being famous for writing songs within America like Sister Golden Hair,  I Need you and Daisy Jane. I discovered there was so much more to Gerry's writing than the radio hits I grew up with. 

A quick look at Gerry's website says this quote which describes Gerry in a few words: 

Rare is the musician who can be part of an iconic band and still manage to carve out a path of their own that's as, if not more, creatively rich and accomplished as that which made him famous. 

Traveling each day to pick up Gerry from his Sydney home and take him off to interviews we had arranged with Key2 Artist promotions was a great privilege and a lot of fun as always. 

During that week I got the very special opportunity to pop upstairs in Gerry's home to his home working studio and listen to some stunning tracks he was working on, that would become his next offering in the solo catalogue the album ‘Aurora’.  Check out the review of Aurora here The Green Room - Gerry Beckley 'Aurora' album review (greenroomdoor.com)

When I think of Gerry Beckley, I think of saying 

'Art or Art's sake' in that in his solo project albums it is just that. For the love of music and releasing his prolific musicality to the world. 

(Pictured right is Richard Wilkins, Aly Cook & Therese McKee from Key2 Artist Promotions & Gerry Beckley at Channel 9. The interview is below. 

VISIT GERRY ONLINE Gerry Beckley