Founding member of folk rock icons America, Dan Peek, has passed away.
Peek formed America with Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley in 1969, playing on the hits ‘Don't Cross The River’, ‘Lonely People’, ‘Woman Tonight’ and ‘Today's the Day’.
He left the band at their apogee in 1977 when he renewed his Christian faith and forged a new artistic direction, releasing his first solo album All Things Are Possible on Pat Boone’s Lamb & Lion Records in 1978.
All Things Are Possible was a crossover hit and he released many albums with religious themes.
Peek also wrote an autobiography about his time in America and his spiritual journey called An American Band.
Peek passed away on July 24 of undisclosed causes. His site merely states: “Dan went to Heaven on July 24 2011” with a video of Peek performing ‘Lonely People’.
America’s official site has features statements from former bandmates Bunnell and Beckley.
"I am so sorry to learn of Dan’s passing,” Dewey Bunnell writes. “Dan, along with Gerry & myself, formed the band America as teenagers after being great friends in high school during the late 60’s. 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."
Beckley writes, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Dans 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...."
Peek was 60 years old.
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