America Founding Father Dan Peek Dead at 60

Rocker's high harmonies can be heard on the band's most enduring hit, "Horse With No Name"

By Natalie Finn Jul 26, 2011 10:20 PMTags

Dan Peek was proud to be an American.

The singer and musician, who along with Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell founded the band America in 1970, died at his Farmington, Mo., home on Sunday, according to his father, who said that Peek's wife Catherine found him dead in their bedroom.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine cause of death. Peek was 60.

Among Peek's songwriting contributions while a member of America were the songs "Lonely People," which reached No. 5 on the Billboard singles chart, "Don't Cross the River," "Woman Tonight" and "Today's the Day." The rocker's high harmonies are also on prominent display in America's most enduring hit, "A Horse With No Name."

"I am so sorry to learn of Dan's passing," Bunnell said in a statement on the band's website. "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."

Added 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...."

The trio were Air Force brats who moved around quite a bit during their childhoods. According to Billboard, they met in England while students at London Central High School.

Peek left America in 1977 after they released Harbor and soon after became a fixture on the Christian pop music scene, signing with Pat Boone's Lambs & Lions Records. He dropped his first solo album, All Things Are Possible, in 1979 and the title song hit No. 1 on the Contemporary Christian Music singles chart.

His 2004 autobiography, An American Band: The America Story, chronicled his time in America and his spiritual journey.

Peek and his wife Catherine, who did not have children, also had a home in the Cayman Islands and spent much of their time there.