Wil Leacox, a native of Shenandoah, has been the drummer for the band America for close to 40 years. With such hits as, Horse with No Name and Sister Golden Hair, Wil Leacox has played in such legendary places as Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Madison Square Garden.



After graduating from Shenandoah High School in 1965, Leacox attended college at Washburn University, where he majored in music. He was also in several bands, including the Jerms and The Young Raiders.



In 1968, while with the Jerms, a record they did in Nashville made number 98 on the Billboard Top 100.



After college Wil Leacox worked with a Las Vegas show band and tried to get a lounge act in Vegas. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles and started working the club scene.



Wil Leacox did some freelancing as well as a session with Room 222 actor, David Joliff. It was Joliff who told him America was auditioning for drummers. Recalls Will Leacox: "They hired me right away. I knew the bass player so they let me go in first. They hired me and sent three other drummers home."



Since Wil Leacox joined America in 1973, he has traveled all over the world and has played in the most well known venues. In fact, they still have a heavy touring schedule.