Friday, August 5, 2011

America


I just learned that Dan Peek passed away on July 24. Dan was the lead singer of America. Though to be correct, all three guys were lead singers in the group, which included Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell.

In reading about the band, I learned that the three guys were all sons of American fathers and British mothers, and grew up in England. Thus, naturally, they called themselves "America". They were a CSNY-influenced group, and their early recordings really reflected that.

However, this one is my favorite, and I don't think it sounds like CSNY at all. In fact, this is one of my very favorite pop/rock songs. And wow, really? It was from 1974? Here are the guys on Midnight Special:



Luckily, Dan did not write this next song. However, it is arguably America's best-known track, so it seemed appropriate to include it here. (The song was written by Dewey Bunnell).



Many, many people enjoyed this song. They enjoyed it so much that it was a number one hit for America. These same people also enjoy plants and birds and rocks and things.

I'm not trying to be disrespectful. Dan would probably laugh about that, too.

We've lost a lot of good people in 2011, and Dan Peek left a legacy. This is one he did write:



Thanks, Dan, for Sister Golden Hair, and for all the music.

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