American Tears

American Tears was a New York-based aor/hard rock band of the 1970s. Its leader was keyboardist/vocalist Mark Mangold, formerly from Progressive Rock outfit Valhalla. The band's initial lineup included bassist Gary Sonny and drummer Tommy Gunn. This lineup made American Tears' debut album, Branded Bad in 1974. In 1975, Sonny was replaced by Greg Baze, which recorded their sophomore effort, Tear Gas.

Failing to find an audience, Mangold reorganized, emerging with a new lineup featuring guitarist Evan Brooks, and a rhythm section of Kirk Powers and Glenn Kithcart. They made the third album Powerhouse, still without popular response.

The band went on to become the better known group Touch on new label Polydor in 1980, by which time Powers had been replaced by Doug Howard. Subsequently, Kithcart formed the short-lived band 15 Minutes and Mangold has since enjoyed cult status at the helm of Drive, She Said.