Dan Peek, Co-Founder of America, Dies at 60
Singer Dan Peek, a founding member of America who was with the band during its 1970s heyday, died Sunday from undisclosed causes. He was 60 years old.
Around 1970, Peek and fellow singers Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell formed America, which won the Best New Artist Grammy for 1972. America's top 40 pop hits through the mid-1970s included 'A Horse With No Name,' 'Sister Golden Hair,' 'Ventura Highway,' 'Tin Man' and the Peek-fronted 'Lonely People.'
Peek left the band in 1977 and subsequently began a career as a Christian music artist. He chronicled his hit-making days and spiritual awakening in the 2004 book 'An American Band: The America Story.'
Beckley and Bunnell, who have continued as America ever since Peek departed, each released statements about the death of their former band mate. Beckley called Peek “a dear friend for many years,” while Bunnell recalled how they “created lasting music together … Dan was an equal and integral part of that early history.”
Peek is survived by his wife, his parents and five siblings.
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