America occupied a fascinating space in 1970s folk rock. They didn't have the notoriety or the big personalities of Crosby, Stills & Nash, but they served as a mellow, musically complimentary choice for fans who wanted an idealized version of California.
America was quietly one of the most consistent rock outfits of the decade, scoring two gold albums, two platinum albums, and two number one singles. They also had four other singles crack the top 10. Despite this success, co-founder Dan Peek decided to leave the band in 1977. The singer/songwriter forced the remaining members to soldier on as a duo, and never reunited with them. Why?
Dan Peek left America in 1977
Well, despite their mellow sound, America was exposed to the same spoils and debauchery as every other rock band in the 1970s. Peek, alongside Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, abused alcohol and drugs during their time on the road. And given the success of their 1975 album Hearts, which had the hit Peek composition "Lonely People" on it, the fast living was not going to slow down.
Peek ultimately decided that he'd had enough. The musician recounted his mindset in his memoir, An American Band: The America Story, and again to the Jerusalem Post. "It was a Cinderella story,” Peek told the latter. "But once it happened, it turned into a freight train."
Peek found success as a Christian artist
Dan Peek ultimately decided to renew his Christian faith, and give up drugs and alcohol. One thing he did not give up, however, was the music. He released his debut album, All Things Are Possible in 1979, and it proved to be a sleeper hit, making it one of the first Christian music albums to cross over and find Billboard success.
All Things Are Possible was nominated in the Contemporary Gospel category, and remains a beloved and important release in the genre. One of the biggest hits on the album was "Love Was Just Another Word," which is notable because in featured background vocals from Peek's former America mates, Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Buckley.
Dan Peek would never reunite with Bunnell and Buckley, who continue to tour as America, but this recording was proof that Peek left on good terms, and there was no hard feelings between the two camps. Peek recorded sporadically, and contributed to other Christian albums right up to his death in 2011. He was 60. Bunnell and Buckley issued statements praising their former bandmate.