Ventura Highway

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the classic "Ventura Highway" by America, and we’ve got some groovy trivia to share! Written by Dewey Bunnell in 1972 for the album Homecoming, this song was inspired by a childhood memory from 1963 when Bunnell’s family got a flat tire near Ventura, California. While his dad fixed the tire, young Dewey and his brother stood by the road, staring at a highway sign that read “Ventura” and watching clouds that looked like “alligator lizards in the air.” Bunnell later clarified in a 2021 American Songwriter interview that the song captures the vibe of California’s Pacific Coast Highway, not the Ventura Freeway, despite some confusion. The lyric “purple rain” in the song has sparked debate, with some, like Mikel Toombs of The San Diego Union, suggesting it inspired Prince’s 1984 hit, though bandmate Gerry Beckley admitted he’s unsure of its exact meaning. The song’s iconic guitar riff, crafted with help from Dan Peek, almost didn’t make the cut, as a friend in England thought it “ruined” the track, according to Beckley’s interview with Songfacts. This tune, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, even caught the ear of Jesse Ventura, who invited America to perform at his 1999 gubernatorial inaugural because his wife loved their music.

Now, let’s rewind to how America got their start. Formed in London in 1970, the band was a trio of military brats—Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, and Dan Peek—whose fathers were stationed at a U.S. Air Force base. Bonding over their shared American roots and love for folk and rock, they began jamming together as teens. Their big break came with their self-titled debut album in 1971, featuring the smash hit “A Horse with No Name,” which skyrocketed them to fame. Blending melodic pop-rock with folk-jazz and impressionistic lyrics, America became a staple of 1970s radio with songs like “Ventura Highway” and “Sister Golden Hair.” Despite Peek’s departure in 1977, Bunnell and Beckley have kept the band alive, releasing albums like 2007’s Here & Now and performing globally, as noted in their bio on venturahighway.com. Their music’s timeless appeal continues to draw first-, second-, and third-generation fans.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with America on their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and nostalgic throwbacks. Fans have also created spaces to celebrate the band, like the tribute page The Official Ventura Highway - A Tribute to the band America on Facebook, with over 260 followers vibing to their classics. Another fan hub, America.AccessBackstage.com, offers a deep dive into their legacy with photos and stories. So, crank up “Ventura Highway,” feel that free wind blowin’ through your hair, and join the legion of fans keeping America’s music alive!