<P> While their fathers were stationed at the United States Air Force base at RAF South Ruislip near London in the mid-1960s, Beckley, Bunnell and Peek attended London Central High School at Bushey Hall where they met while playing in two different bands . </P> <P> Peek left for the United States for an abortive attempt at college during 1969 . Soon after his return to the UK the following year, the three began making music together . Starting out with borrowed acoustic guitars, they developed a style which incorporated three - part vocal harmony with the style of contemporary folk - rock acts such as Crosby, Stills & Nash . </P> <P> Eventually, the trio dubbed themselves America, chosen because they did not want anyone to think they were British musicians trying to sound American . They played their first gigs in the London area, including some highlights at the Roundhouse, Chalk Farm . Through Ian Samwell and Jeff Dexter's efforts they were eventually contracted to Kinney Records (UK) in March 1971 by Ian Ralfini and assigned to the UK Warner Brothers label . </P> <P> Their first album America (1971) was recorded at Trident Studios in London and produced by Ian Samwell, best known for being Cliff Richard's lead guitarist as well as writing Richard's 1958 breakthrough hit "Move It". Jeff Dexter, Ian's roommate, co-produced the album and became the trio's manager . Dexter also gave them their first major gig, 20 December 1970, at "Implosion" at the Roundhouse, Chalk Farm, as the opening act for The Who, Elton John, Patto and The Chalk Farm Salvation Army Band & Choir for a Christmas charity event . Although the trio initially planned to record the album in a similar manner to The Beatles' Sgt . Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Samwell convinced them to perfect their acoustic style instead . </P>

How did the band america get its name
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