 Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek were members of the band America.
July 27th, 2011
11:56 AM ET
Co-founder of the band America diesDan Peek, one of the founders of the Grammy-winning band America, has died according to a posting on Peek's web site. Visitors to DanPeek.com are greeted with the words "Dan went to Heaven on July 24 2011" and a video of Peek performing "Lonely People." On the band's site, America members Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley expressed their sympathies. "We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dan Peek yesterday," a statement said." Our thoughts and prayers are with the Peek family." Bunnell told Billboard that Peek, 60, was "semi-retired." He reportedly lived with his wife Catherine in the Cayman Islands. According to Billboard, America had three platinum and gold albums as well as eight Top 40 hits between 1971-75. Peek launched a solo career in 1979 with the Christian contemporary hit, "All Things Are Possible" after becoming a born-again Christian and leaving the band. Bandmate Bunnell payed tribute to Peek on the America site. "We created lasting music together and experienced a life that we could never have imagined," Bunnell wrote. "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. " Bunnell and Beckley have continued the group.
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What Album was the picture with the Swords in?
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But Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man, that he didn't, didn't already have... Glorious lyrics from a great song, I also love Ventura Highway, The lonely people, A horse with no name,etc, etc, etc, RIP!
Ah the 70s... when classic tunes were commonplace and immortal bands were everywhere. RIP Dan.
Ride that horse lololol looks like 3 girls who f@&kn cares?
Sorry to hear it, but America had a major hit in the early 70s and sold out pretty damn quickly. Very frustrating. They could have been much, much better.
Just how did they "sell out"? Their music from first to last was very similar in sound and quality.
I hope u all ch0ke on a big weiner
This is one of the BEST 70's bands out there.
I can remember I had to replace their VINYL ALBUM, 2 times because I played it so much.
Rip my friend, you will long be remembered.
Thank you for all the great music you gave us, during your time with us.
#2.........waiting for the 3rd shoe to drop.
@fake gillian lane. STFU! Your so sickening, not the least bit funny. Time for some new material, BOY.
RIP. I'll remember America's music on my teenage youth days. Those music will live forever. More power to the remaining members of the band.
Who f()ckn cares?.He grew up n he died wahhhhhh
And don't forget, Justin Bieber is ignorant. He can't carry a tune in a bag, either...
Too bad he was a christian. He is in for a surprise when he finds out there is nothing after death.
I'm such a huge fan of the band, and know they'll miss him terribly. A real authentic musician who was part of a real band. He contributed so much to my fond summer memories growing up. I'm glad to hear too that he'd given his life to the Lord-He will welcome you in heaven, Dan!!
I love the music!!!! RIP Dan.
THEY TAUGHT ME HOW TO PLAY GUITAR. HAHAHA! JUST KEPT PLAYIN TILL I GOT IT RIGHT! RIP AND THANX
this band was amazing . Modern singers of today could not carry this mans music sheets. This was when music was music and musicians were real musicians.
Trivia: Phil Hartman (actor shot by his wife) did the album cover for the History Album.
I can recall playing my 8-track and Album of America over and over and I still enjoy them some 30+ years later. Not too many "manufactured" musicians of today will be around in 30+ years. True artistry lives on....
RIP
RIP & Thanks for the great music!
Dave Peek, thanks for the musical journeys.... Farewell...
I have several of their songs on my MP3, really enjoy their music. May the peace of God that passes all understanding be with his family.
America was one of the first Albums I ever bought. Sorry to read about Dan. Rest in peace Dan.
I love America! I listen to their greatest hits CD in my car all the time. Goodbye Dan, you helped make great music.
Guess he's going to find his Daisy Jane. Sorry he has died.
I feel like a part of my childhood and youth has died as well; I grew up in a Spanish-speaking country and America was mainly responsible for my early attempts to "sing in English." Their 1980's concert in Altos de Chavon, DR is one of my fave concerts ever. Godspeed Dan, and thank you, thank you, thank you.
here, here!
Rest in peace, Dan. You gave the world some beautiful music, and a lot of happiness. Two of my favorite songs of all times: Lonely People and Sister Golden Hair. Here's hoping there is a vintage guitar waiting for you in the next life with strings that never break.
George Costanza: "Was he on his deathbed?"
Jerry Seinfeld: "Nope. His regular bed."
Not so funny, luke. We lost one of the good guys. He had fame and fortune in rock and roll, but left it to pursue what he believed was a greater good. He decided faith to be of higher value than fame; something a LOT of people give lip-service to, but few actually do. As much as I enjoyed – an stll enjoy – his music, my greater respect is for who he became.
Frankly, I'm not too wild about heavy metal music. America was pretty good. Especially Muskrat Love.
RIP Dan – I grew up listening to America. My thoughts are with his family.
On another note – Were any of you that come here just to make stupid, or what you think are funny comments, taught any respect or manners. I'm appalled to see some of the idiotic comments that have nothing to do with this man's legacy. You should be ashamed of yourself, but of course, I'm sure you're not. If the article doesn't interest you, why do you bother to comment?
Anyone see them in Denver at the RainbowMusic Hall? Nice, no gimmicks, no glitz.
Awful band, but I'm sorry to see anyone pass away. RIP.
Awful post, but I'd hate to see anyone in America not allow you to.
I do not care for rock music. However, I must admit...that I rather like this band.
All the Good Ones are Goin'... RIP
Ventura Highway will always be one of my favorite songs. RIP Dan.
I will sacrifice a lamb at my alter and listen to some Puddle of Mud tonight in his memory.
My fave was Horse With No Name– loves, loves, loves!
LOL ! I used to wear my zoot suit to the Parliment concerts. One night I was there and up on stage came this cool band called America. . . and BAM ! I mean BAM ! They got jiggy with it ! Even George Clinton came out on the stage and started jiving ! It was the greatest !
Muskrat Suzie and Muskrat Sam are just devastated.
I grew up with the America's music for which Mr. Peek was a huge part. I have been humming many of the unforgettable songs for most of my life. I am very sad to learn of the news of Mr. Peek's death. I hope he did not suffer and I know he left a lasting impression on the world with his musical talents. God bless him.
Love this picture! These three milfs are hot!!!!!
Don't walk to a psychiatrist..........Run !
We saw them live when they opened for Parliment. I even wore my boogie suit to the show. The 70s were great times.
Terrible news for his fans. Terrific band and guitar player. He left his mark on the music world and those who enjoy America's music will always be grateful.
Wow, what a loss. America is one of my all time favorite bands. RIP Dan. I think I still have a couple of America 8 tracks.
Graet music. May he rest in Peace. My condolences to his family and fans.
I grew up on this band, a favorite of my dad's. I am saddened to hear of his passing. Their music will live on.
Brings back memories of my dad Fred and Uncle Grady. We saw them perform at the legendary Apollo Theater back in the day. He did a duet with Gladys Night that was fantastic.
Thank you for the music! There will never be another sound like America again. RIP and tell your new bandmates in Rock and Roll heaven to play on!
Isn't "America" the band that did the theme songs for "The Last Unicorn"? LOL
Loved his song DONKEY JAW – I turn it as loud as I can. Great music! So young...
That guy with the beard is Danny DeVitos cousin.
Dan has gone to the place where there ain't no one for to give you no pain.
Lots of memories from my childhood riding in the back seat of the car listening to America on the radio. As I was reading this I was sure that the comments section would be full of 'never heard of him/them', or 'who??', or tirades against religion because he was a born again. Plenty of idiots here, but no one doing what I expected.
Idiots are full of surprises!
The one on the right looks like a "Breck Girl"
He is the one who died. You ought to be ashamed. Me too since I chuckled.
Read the caption. Surely, surely it was on oversight on your part. Go to danpeek.com and click on the five minute interview. Wow.
I remember seeing them perform on Soul Train in the early 70s. That was when America was touring with George Clinton and Parliment Funkadellic. They just blew me away. Ive neved heard music with such soul. He is going to be missed.
R.I.P., and thank you for some great music! 60's through 80's were the best era for rock/pop music.
Why can't I post comments to all CNN stories without a login?
"Co-founder of America dies." RIP Benjamin Franklin
I lol'd.
Loved their music. It was the soundtrack of my life for many years. Thanks to Dan and the others for some great songs. My condolences to his family.
It's uplifting to know Dans' spirit is in the presence of the Lord... now and forever! It's where I hope someday I'll be! RIP Dan
i wunner if the is sangin up thars in hebbin rite now?
SPEAK ENGLISH!!!!!!!!!!! Are you trying to be funny? I can't believe I'm wasting my time replying to you.
Sister Golden Hair....a classic. Thank you America and RIP Dan. Now he's a member of one helluva band in heaven!
I loved that group. They were from an era when people sang love songs. That doesn't happen anymore.
Sorry for his loss, he is on the second part of his Journey,,,,
America was one of my first albums as a kid, and I played the grooves out of it! God Bless, Dan, and thanks for all you did to make this world a more beautiful place.
That was one of my first albums too. Loved it front to back.
Me, too. I love their music. Wish there had been more. Still have an album I can't even play. You left something lasting...RIP.
Rest in peace Dan, these inbreds that are making these kind of remarks will be in tears one of these days when their 1/4 breed kin folks die. . I remember when Madeline Ohare was murdered, her killer said her last words were "oh God" funny since she was a atheist. Your time will come for you and yours and some dummy will say about the same things you are saying. I
knew this guy at San Angelo Central high school and he was a better man than any of you...............
The woman was hacked to pieces, and the guy who said he did it is dead. He never said she called out to God before or during the murder. There's no proof of that anywhere. It's an urban legend.
band had some great tunes, RIP
Thanks for all those great tunes in the 70s while I was growing up. Rest in peace !!!!
We are saved ! I just checked the GLEE website and they said he is still going to be able to perform on their show next season ! It is going to be g@ytastic !
I thought a big part of the emotional impact that the movie, "The Last Unicorn" had on me was the soundtrack, performed by America.
Ditto. I love the soundtrack, have it on my iPod, and my 6 year old daughter loves watching the movie and singing along.
I thought this was a story about the Bee Gees when I saw the picture.
Very sad to hear this. Way too young. Just loved this guy! Especially enjoy watching him sing "Don't cross the river" on youtube. Very sad.
i am african american and i loved every song they produce throughout the 70's. they capture a whole generation of people,
much love to Dan Peek. ride that highway in the sky mon. Max. Respect for America.
He gonna get as much attention at that other singer that died?
guy won a grammy too...
come on CNN.
The girl on the right shouldve worn more lipstick and eyeshadow.
Actually, he spent most of his time in Farmington, MO a rural peacful community. I am from there and occasionally ran into him. A real genuine gentleman. RIP Dan
rest in peace Dan! your music will live on forever!
That's too bad. I pray he went out "on a horse with no name". RIP
I don't think so – he is a born again Christian. But I'm riding a horse with no name right now if that helps.
The song "Horse with No Name" references his many male groupies.
Thanks for the great music. RIP you did a great job!
Very sorry to hear of Dan's passing. His family is in our prayers. God Bless~
Who is the chick in the middle?
I beg to differ. Dan Peek on his death bed can sing circles around Justin Bieber.
You betcha! That sure is Jane Fonda. I'm kinda surprised non one recognized her. This is the picture of her before she became a communist.
You're about as funny as a wet f a rt....
Ummm...That's Gerry Beckley, ya 'tard. Howzabout just being a human being and offer some condolences to the band and to Dan's family?
No it's not. In fact, it is your alter ego. You know, the one you wish you were instead of the one you are. You know, the one nobody cares about and who never accomplished anything.
Don't forget THE JOOOOOSSS!
Now that is plain ignorant! Justin Bieber was not Born yet when America were recording their Classic albums!
I agree with Suzanne. You and your comment are totally ignorant.