Many a Rock band had an ironic name or they just simply took the name of the geographic place they were from. In the case of the band America, neither was true. They were basically a British Folk Rock band who chose a name that paid homage to their American parents.

Maybe it was because they were devoid of that sarcastic irony that a lot of bands have led to America being disrespected. Maybe it was because their first big hit sounded so much like Neil Young that were branded as unoriginal. The many fans that refused those negative labels found a Folk Rock group with rich harmonies and producers of some solid Soft Rock (is that an oxymoron?) music that generated them a large fan base. As the critics didn’t pander over them either, we have a hard time seeing America in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but with a series of songs that have held up reasonably well, they may eventually get the respect that they haven’t quite gotten as of yet.

The Bullet Points:

Eligible Since:

1996

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom (London, England)

Nominated In:

Never

Why They Will Get In:

Their hits have aged very well.

Why They Won’t Get In:

The critics were not fans of them.

Essential Albums:

America (1971)

Homecoming (1972)

Hearts (1975)

View from the Ground (1982)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

A Horse with No Name (From America, 1971)

Ventura Highway (From Homecoming, 1972)

Don’t Cross the River (From Homecoming, 1972)

Sister Golden Hair (From Hearts, 1975)

You Can Do Magic (From View from the Ground, 1982)