Back To My Youth Trivia Quiz

Answer: Michael Granda

Michael "Supe" Granda was know for his propensity toward wearing a Superman shirt in the early days of the band. One of the founding members, he usually plays bass and sings backup. An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, he has written a song that tells all about how he "married a Cub's fan!" In recent years he has published an autobiography about the band that is called "It Shined."

Answer: a little hell

This song was on the OMD premier album in 1973; although the album is self-titled, it is commonly known by fans as the "Quilt Album." Bandmember Steve Cash tells the story of writing this song after watching an evangelist on television. Traditionally, the Daredevils play the last concert of the season at Wildwood Springs Lodge.

The group has lost original members Larry Lee and Randle Chowning, however, has added several musicians over the years, and always plays to a packed house.

Answer: 40+ years

According to their website, Michael Brewer and Tom Shipley began writing music together in 1962. Needless to say, they share many experiences; they are great story tellers, and it is truly evident that they are close friends. They are known for their "harmonies, intricate guitar-playing, and their socially conscious lyrics." Apparently the lyrics were a bit too socially conscious during the 1970s; Brewer tells a story about how the duo ended up on Spiro Agnew's "subversive to American youth" list.

Answer: 1970s

The band, "America," was formed in the 1970s in England. The three original members, Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek, all sons of military fathers, met while in high school in the UK. Their first album, "America," was released in 1971, and they won the Grammy in 1972. Dan Peek left the group in 1977, and sadly passed way in 2011. Gerry and Dewey still tour.

They released an double album called "Here and Now" in 2007, which contains their old classics, and well as new material. In 2011 another album was released; called "Back Pages," it features covers of their favorite songs. Check out their cover of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock" if you ever get a chance!

Answer: horse with no name

This song really was the impetus needed to propel America's first album to success. In fact, the album was first released without the song. After the song became a major worldwide hit, it was added to the album, which was then re-released. The album was number one on the record charts for five weeks after that.

Originally called "Desert Song", a "Horse With No Name," was written by Dewey Bunnell. He was inspired by family's trips in Arizona and New Mexico while his father was stationed as Vandenberg Air Force Base, as well as a pictures by Salvador Dali (the desert) and M.C. Escher (the horse).

Answer: The Lawrence Welk Show

Michael Brewer chuckles when he tells the story about how this song was written, and it was truly because he had stated that he was "one toke over the line" after a pre-concert party in the alley behind the building before the concert. Apparently the two never intended for the song to go anywhere, but their producer liked it, and it was added to their album, "Tarkio." It is easy to find the Lawrence Welk performance on U-Tube; on the program, Lawrence Welk calls the song "a modern spiritual."

Answer: Spartanburg, South Carolina

It is apparent right away that Doug Gray, the only remaining founding member of the group, is a Southern boy. The Band was formed in 1972, and included brothers Tommy and Toy Caldwell. The musicianship of the current band is amazing, and their long jam sessions during their old standards are a real treat! Chris Hicks, who also has his own band, and Marcus Henderson are extremely talented vocalists and musicians.

Henderson's rendition of "Take The High Way" shows off his talent on flute, keyboard, and saxophone, and he sings too!

Answer: Marshall Tucker was a piano tuner

When the band started practicing in a rented warehouse, they were given a key with the name "Marshall Tucker" in it, and decided to adopt that as the name of the band. Little did they know that Marshall Tucker was a real person. He was a piano tuner who had rented the warehouse before they did; the owner of the warehouse hadn't bothered to change the name on the key before he gave it to the band!

Answer: Rusty Young

Rusty is a great performer and story-teller. He immediately captured my attention when he began to introduce people in the audience. For example, he said, "This is Catherine Peek. She wrote with the group, "America". Remember (and he started singing), "This is for all the lonely people?" The group still puts on quite a show; included are Rusty's reminiscences about past group members and places where they have played.

The rumor is that Rusty can been spotted at many of the Wildwood Springs shows, and he has played steel guitar on "Sister Golden Hair" at the America concerts there.

By the way, Richie Furay has his own band, and sometimes plays with Buffalo Springfield. Randy Meissner went on to join The Eagles, and Jim Messina formed half of Loggins and Messina.

Answer: Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. Schmit's distinctive vocals stand out irregardless of the band for which he sings. "Keep On Trying", is probably his most famous Poco song. It is possible to find a reunion video on U-Tube of this song, as well as others. Current members of the band include Rusty Young, the only remaining founding member, Jack Sundrel, who plays bass and joined the band in 1985, George Lawrence, on drums since 2004, and Michel Webb, newcomer to the group, who plays a variety of instruments, including the accordion. And yes, the accordion works!