Of course, the 3 way harmonies cannot be forgotten. Affiliation: ASCAP Comments: Musician best known as a member of the folk rock band America from 1970 to 1977 together with Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell. Dewey Bunnell’s soft vocals compliment the song perfectly, gliding beautifully over and in between Gerry Beckley and Peek’s harmonising leaping licks. In a live performance from 1975, guitarist Dan Peek is seen playing a twelve string which explains the beauty of the ‘full’ sound of the guitars.

The 3 acoustic guitars are largely to thank for creating such a warmth to the song. Little is known at this point about the death on Sunday (July 24) of Dan Peek, co-founder of the band America, who left the group in 1977. 3.80 79 ratings19 reviews As if recovering from a raucous dream of the 1960s, Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek arrived on 1970s American radio with a sound that echoed disenchanted hearts of young people everywhere. I can picture myself sat in an open topped car, feeling a warm, but gentle breeze as I drive along an empty road, into the sunset. Dan Peek, Co-Founder of America, Dead at 60. Something I love about this song is that I feel it’s a perfect ‘driving’ song. When listening to Ventura Highway, I’m transported to a warm 70s summer’s evening. If I can create a complex, vivid story and/or environment for a song in my mind’s eye, I know I have found a good song. 'An American Band', the America Story, tells the story of the formative years of AMERICA, Dan's personal road to success in music and the turbulent times that followed, leading ultimately to his spiritual awakening. It is the first song I knowingly listened to by the band and was instantly captivated by the beautiful, unforgettable acoustic guitar lick and the soft, harmonising vocals. 14.39 9 Used from 6.61 12 New from 12.95. Ventura Highway is the opening track to the band’s second studio album Homecoming.

An american band by dan peek