Tony Christie is British, and he sang “(Is This the Way to) Amarillo” - a very American-themed song - in an American accent.
While we’re at it, The Night Chicago Died and Beach Baby are by British bands.
Yes I remember that song. I don’t believe I’ve thought about it since it was popular (mumble-mumble) years ago. But now that you mention it, it comes back to me rather vividly.
I know the song and Tony Christie, but somehow I always knew that he is British. Of course Mick Jagger also often sang with an American accent, especially in a quite terrible faux Southern accent, but everybody knows that he and the Stones are English.
I listen to various channels on SiriusXM regularly, and “Thunder Island” is a staple on both their Yacht Rock Radio channel, and their 1970s channel.
Ferguson had a follow-up record ‘Shakedown Cruise,’ whick peaked at 31 on Billboard. While the term is a real nautical term, it can also describe them monetary aspect of cruises. Based my few experiences, although I enjoyed them, there’s no question they’re trying to shake you down for as much as they can get, but that’s the way a lot of things are.
I remember the line “The captain said, you boys want some sex? You can squeeze the sails, you can lick the decks.”