America

Initial Album Debut - Circa 1972

It would not be until decades later that I would realize just how privileged I was to grow up in the ‘70s (born in 1960) and experience an unbelievable plethora of truly great music.

Among the many bands which so impacted me, was and remains, America. They so profoundly spoke for the collective psyche of young people in the ‘70s. As they did so, and that via their distinct Soft Rock approach; they struck so many emotional chords with me.

It was not until very recently that I discovered that among the primary founding members (a trio) was one Dan Peek. I do recall seeing him in America videos from long ago, yet had never noticed that he had quietly faded (perhaps not-so-quietly) from the band. It was as I opted to take a closer look at his story that I met with the video inserted below, on YouTube. His story and his ultimate testimony are truly inspiring: