Kevin Alton

Kevin and Gerry backstage at the Bowie Baysocks Stadium on July 3, 1999.

Meet Kevin Alton from Annapolis, Maryland.

I am 36 years young from Annapolis Maryland, the quaint little town by the bay. I had always thought (until I went online) that I was the world's biggest America fan. I am so pleased and excited that there are so many of us out there. I have gained hours of enjoyment talking and exchanging stories about the band from lots of you online. I have found through the Internet the resources to replace my America collection that was damaged by my negligence as a teenager. Thank God for CD's!!!!

I would say that first and foremost, music is my passion in life. I have worked in it, played in it and and even today I try to keep my hands in it as much as possible. My musical tastes are much to vast to begin to describe. I like the 70's stuff the best, I think? I feel so blessed to have lived through that time in music history so much good music, it will never come again. Try to explain to kids today about liner notes or getting a poster inside of the LP or fan clubs (****GEEZER ALERT****)!

My memories of America start back in 1972. "Horse With No Name" was the first 45 that I ever bought and I have been a die hard fan ever since. I have bought every America thing that I could get my hands on. I did not get to see the band perform live until 1980 at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis when they opened for the Beach Boys. Another memory that I have is that as a teenager most of my friends were musically inclined. We would build bonfires on the beach at night and sit and sing songs from America, The Eagles and so on. Those are such fond memories for me. America has always been in my life, almost every song releases a memory for me. I struggle to pick a favorite CD. I will say that the opening chords to "Ventura Highway" and "Sleeper Train" still give me chills even today!!! I feel that Hourglass is a totally underrated CD, I think it is a masterpiece.

I have seen the guys many times over the years. It wasn't until May 1995 that I got to meet them totally by accident. It was at Jaxx In Springfield, Virginia. I was walking out to my car as they were coming into the building. I was totally shocked. They were so cool, they took time to sign a couple of CD's for me. Thanks to Pete!!! In 1997, I got to spend about 45 minutes to an hour with them backstage at Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland, where they signed my CD collection. I think that I have like 27 CD's now (all autographed). We got to talk for a while and they answered all of those silly questions that any crazed America fan might have. They commented at the time that I had CD's that they had never seen before, which was kinda cool. I got to standby while they did a radio interview for VOA (Voice Of America), I was in a euphoric state that night and I had front row seats to boot.

I think that one of the things that I admire about the guys is that they are consummate professionals always!!!!! There are times when they are on stage that they will look at each other and smile and you can tell that they are partners in a true sense and have so much admiration for each other, and obviously the chemistry they share works. I have met them several times since 1995 backstage at various venues and they always have been a "First-class" act, taking time for fans goes without question. As I stated earlier I worked in the business years back and it is rare to find artists that have the dedication that America has to their fans making themselves available. I think that we mean as much to them as they mean to us.

In recent months I have corresponded with Dan Peek through his dad. Dan signed for me all of the America CD's in which he performed with the band, as well as his solo projects. I was totally flattered that Dan took the time to write me a note as well. His new release Bodden Town is now available through Thoughtscape Sounds and is a must have for all America and Dan Peek fans.

Lastly I want to say to Steve, I am totally in awe of what you do everytime that I sign onto your website. To all of the crew on the AOL message board and the folks who post on Steve's message board, you guys are "Topnotch" as well. I have learned so much from you in the last three years (I thought I knew so much about the band, you guys made my head spin). You have been not only a source of information anddaily laughs, but friendship as well. You and America are the only reason that I stay with AOL. Those who don't have AOL and can't access the boards, you don't know what you are missing.

In my spare time I like the outdoors, sports and fitness are a must. Life is a contact sport and so is Lacrosse!!!! Taking time to laugh and breathe. I enjoy a good bottle of wine and a close group of friends. Reading and quiet times. I enjoy law enforcement and NYPD Blue. :) My inspiration to live are my two lovely ladies Lisa and Katie the "Wuzzle Bear".

If I may throw in a shamless plug for those of you who are lovers of music and life. Please give a listen to a singer songwriter from Seattle, Michael Tomlinson. His music will touch your heart and soul in ways you have never been touched before. He can be reached at MT's Home Page. Very Very Cool Stuff!!!!!!!!! Tell Him Kevin Sent Ya.

"Each Time You Laugh It Is Love You Release"
D. Bunnell

Here are some links to photos I have taken

• My autographed CD's
• 1998 Birchmere Concert (Gerry and Dewey with Heard Cover)

Feel free to send your comments or questions to Kevin.