Dan Peek, co-founder of the popular 70’s band America, passed away on Sunday of undisclosed causes. He was 60 years old. With school friends Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, Peek formed America in 1970. The band achieved huge success almost immediately, with number 1 singles ‘Horse With No Name’ and ‘Sister Golden Hair’. In 1972, they even won a Grammy Award for best new artist. Dan Peek shared lead vocal duties as well as playing guitar, bass and keyboards during his tenure in the band. He also wrote a few of the band’s hits like ‘Don’t Cross The River’, ‘Today’s The Day’ and the somptuous ‘Lonely People’, his most successful single which reached #5 in the Top 100.
However, despite selling millions of records, Dan Peek quit the band in 1977 after years of casual drug abuse and subsequently renewed his Christian faith. He went on to record several Christian pop albums, having some solo success in the Christian contemporary charts throughout the 1980s. In recent years, he had been releasing music via his official website.
Both his former bandmates, who still tour together as America, have posted statements on the band’s official website.
Dewey Bunnell:
“I am so sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. Dan, along with Gerry & myself, formed the band ‘America’ as teenagers after being great friends in high school during the late ’60s. It was a joyous time for the three of us, full of excitement and laughter. We created lasting music together and experienced a life that we could never have imagined. Dan was an equal and integral part of that early history, and I have never forgotten the good times we spent making that music and learning about life together. Although we eventually went our separate ways, his contributions to the music of ‘America’ have always been present and will last forever. This news brings great sadness. My sincere condolences go out to his wife, Catherine, and the entire Peek family. May Dan rest in peace, and his memory be cherished forever.”
Gerry Beckley:
“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Dan’s passing. He was a dear friend for many years. Dan & his music will live on in the great songs he shared with us all. My sincere condolences go out to Catherine and the entire Peek family. May he rest in peace….”
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