David Johansen, legendary lead singer of the New York Dolls, passed away peacefully on Friday at the age of 75 at his home in Staten Island. He died peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him. Johansen had been battling cancer since 2020.
Johansen was born on Staten Island to parents who had previously sung opera. His first success was found in the 1960s as the lead singer of the Vagabond Missionaries, a local Staten Island band.
Emerging in the early 1970s, Johansen led the New York Dolls, a band that redefined the boundaries of rock with their flamboyant style and gritty, high-energy sound. Though their commercial success was limited at the time, their raw approach to music laid the foundation for the punk movement. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1973, is now considered a landmark record that inspired generations of musicians.
Following the Dolls’ initial split, Johansen found success as a solo artist and later, he reinvented himself as Buster Poindexter, a suave, lounge-style performer best known for the hit “Hot Hot Hot.” He also dabbled in acting, with roles in Scrooged and Let It Ride.
In 2023, Martin Scorsese celebrated his legacy with the documentary Personality Crisis: One Night Only, a testament to Johansen’s enduring presence in music and culture.
David Johansen’s legacy will continue to inspire musicians and fans for generations to come. Rest in peace, David.
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