Dan Peek, a founding member of the ’70s band America, died Sunday at the age of 60. His website states, “Dan went to Heaven on July 24 2011.” The site also features a clip of him performing the song “Lonely People.”
Peek and fellow band members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell had three platinum albums and three gold albums between 1971 and 1975. They also had eight Top 40 hits during that time span, according to Billboard. Hits included “A Horse With No Name,” “Lonely People” and “Don’t Cross the River.”
Peek left the band in 1977 because the rock and roll lifestyle was not a good fit for his born-again Christian beliefs. Peek launched a solo career in the Christian music genre and was nominated for a Grammy for the track “All Things Are Possible.” “Divine Lady,” “Doer of the World” and “Cross Over” also fared well on the Contemporary Christian Music chart.
Bunnell wrote of Peek on the America website, venturahighway.com, “I am so sorry to learn of Dan’s passing. 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 went our separate ways, his contributions to the music of America have always been present and will last forever. May Dan rest in peace, and his memory be cherished forever.”
Beckley said, “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Dan’s passing. He was a dear friend for many years. Dan & his music will love on in the great songs he shared with all.”
Billboard’s Gary Graff contributed to this report.
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