An American Band

by Dan Peek

"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.

Genres: Music

316 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2004

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had ordered this book right from Dan himself a few years ago and read it at the time. Lately I've been getting back into America's music and then with the death of Dan Peek a few months ago from heart disease I thought it was time to give it a 2nd look. It was a great look at the whirlwind that was the band America in the 1970's when they were the biggest selling act of that decade for Warner Brothers Records. Dan is painfully honest about his descent into a very destructive lifestyle that culminated with him choosing to save his life but leave the group after about 7 years.

Some good insider stories about the business in here: pool parties at David Geffen's house, hanging with The Beatles and Bob Dylan, and some insight into how the records were created. Not a lot of nasty stuff about his former bandmates, but he also wasn't afraid to be honest about some of the ways that their behavior also contributed to his deciding to break up the trio. (Of course, Beckley and Bunnell are still putting out great music today.)

One of my all-time favorite bands. I played a lot of their music back in the 70's when I performed. Was nice to re-read an insiders view of the music and times.

[Rick Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a big fan of America...actually still am...It was the acoustic folk rock with tigtly-layered harmonies and strong story-telling that got me hooked on their music...plus I could play and sing their songs...I had heard of Dan Peek's faith journey many years ago and now I had a chance to pick up his Bio. The is an interesting take from Dan on his life story...I didnt know they started out in England because the three guys were "military kids." Anyway, thats the start and then the rise to fame and fortune only to question everything they were doing. Interesting read, but my biggest disappointment with the book is its in need of major editing...He jumps around all over the place from linear to non-sequential events back and forth and then sideways? The book finishes with events in his life still pending....I wanted to know more about his family, his wife, his life afterwards? nothing...anyway it was a quick read on the beach...

[Jamie Harvill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting content but very poor writing and editing. RIP, Dan Peek.

[Michael D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting behind the scenes detail, but quite an ordinary book. The chapters are brief, and the style is fair.

Would probably read it again, but only because I was quite a fan back in the day. A better read? “Major Dudes” by Barney Hoskyns (Steely Dan is the subject, and the members are far more eccentric and interesting!)

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was SLOW !! I found it boring in many spots. It was fun to read about America knowing, collaberating and partying w/icons: Jackson Browne,s CSNY, Joni Mitchell, etc but it moved to slow and talked WAY to much about his youth than I wanted to hear.

[Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned that Dan is lucky to still be alive to write this memoir. As I am a long time fan of this band, I enjoyed reading about what was happening behind the lines during their heyday.

[Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book if you are a fan of America and it's music