Dan Peek, one of the originating members of folk rock band America, passed away on Sunday, July 24 at the age of 60. The rocker’s cause of death is currently unknown.

Though Peek—who is credited with writing America’s hit “Lonely People”— left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career in the Christian rock scene, there was reportedly no enmity between him and his former bandmates. The three founding members formed the group as teenagers out of high school, and, as bandmate Dewey Bunnel wrote on his website, “Dan was an equal and integral part of that early history.”

Peek and his former America bandmates had reportedly been discussing a reunion performance for their Hollywood Walk of Fame star indoctrination ceremony. Their first single “A Horse With No Name” catapulted the band to the top of the charts, where they remained throughout the early 70’s with eight Top 40 hits. Peek himself wrote a number of the songs, as well as contributing lead guitar and harmonic vocals to help complete the band’s sound.

Peek’s official website states, simply: “Dan went to Heaven on July 24.” He leaves behind his wife, Catherine.

MXDWN extends its deepest sympathies to Peek’s family, friends, and fans.

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