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Dan Peek, 60, an original member of the rock band America who later forsook the group for a life in Christian music, died Sunday in his sleep at his home in Farmington, Mo. The cause of death was not yet known.

Formed in the late 1960s, America was known for its lush, melodic folk-rock sound and the tight vocal harmonies supplied by Peek, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell. Peek, who sang lead and backup vocals, also played guitar, bass, keyboards and harmonica. His compositions included "Lonely People."

NEW YORK TIMES