DAN PEEK RIDES THAT HIGHWAY IN THE SKY

Among the high profile passings of the great Clarence Clemmons and the troubled Amy Winehouse I fear that the death of Dan Peek might not get the attention it deserves.

I was shocked to learn that the former member of the band America passed away July 24 . I had the honor of communicating with Dan on a number of occasions and he was a kind and talented man who even helped me with a charitable venture with which I am involved regularly.

With fellow bandmates Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnel,Dan helped craft the sound of the 70's,soft rock classics one after another that defined the early part of the decade. His music still resonates after he has left us,with "Lonely People" a never give up anthem for the ages that was the highlight of his amazing music making career.

Dan left the band many years ago. He had had enough of the rock and roll lifestyle. Sex,drugs and rock and roll didn't hold the appeal it once did for Dan and he wrote about those days in a wonderful inside rock and roll book "An American Band" . Dan found solace in becoming a born again Christian and he made his mark writing,singing and producing Christian Rock. His first solo album "All Things Are Possible" was a success and even featured a reunion with his old bandmates on one of the cuts,

Dan has left us much too young..cause of death has yet to be determined. But what HAS been determined is that Dan Peek left an indelible mark on the music world. And for many more years we will be hearing Dan advise us: "Don't give up until you drink from the silver cup,and ride that highway in the sky."

And "Lonely People" concludes with a line that will always endure:

"You never know until you try,"

He gave up a lifestyle and a career as part of a classic rock group to sing his own song,one devoted to faith and spirituality.He followed his heart,he realized his dream,he comes face to face with the God that was so important to him.

Thank you Dan for your talent and your friendship.

Condolences to Dan's wife Cathy and all his friends and family.

To see Dan perform his signature song, go to www.danpeek.com