RIP: Dan Peek, Founding Member of America

Dan Peek, a founding member of soft-rock trio America, which shot to the top of the pop charts in the 1970s with bouncy, lightweight hits including "A Horse With No Name," "Ventura Highway" and "Sister Golden Hair," died Sunday at his home in Farmington, Mo., outside St. Louis, according to a story by Randy Lewis at latimes.com.

He was 60.

Peek's wife, Catherine, found him dead in bed, his father, Milton Peek, told the Associated Press. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Peek rode to mainstream success with half a dozen top 10 singles with fellow band members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell.

"It was a joyous time for the three of us, full of excitement and laughter," Bunnell said in a statement. "We created lasting music together and experienced a life that we could never have imagined."

Said Beckley: "He was a dear friend for many years. Dan and his music will live on in the great songs he shared with us all."

Peek left the group in 1977, devoting himself to writing and recording contemporary Christian music.

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