David Johansen, the legendary frontman of the glam rock band New York Dolls, has passed away at the age of 75. He recently revealed that he was battling cancer and had suffered a broken back. According to a statement from his family, he died peacefully at home, surrounded by music, flowers, and loved ones.
Johansen was known for his striking looks and bold fashion choices, often wearing women’s clothing and makeup. This unique style added an exciting dimension to their music, which was a mix of punk and glam rock. Although New York Dolls never made it onto the Top 100 charts, critics praised songs like “Personality Crisis,” showcasing Johansen’s powerful vocal style that left a lasting impact on rock music.
Born in Staten Island, Johansen started his music journey with a local band before co-founding the New York Dolls in 1971. The band quickly became central to New York’s music scene at that time. They signed with Mercury Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1973. However, the band’s wild lifestyle contributed to their breakup in 1975, although Johansen continued to perform with a version of the band until 1976.
After the Dolls, Johansen launched a successful solo career, releasing his first solo album in 1978. He later adopted the persona Buster Poindexter, where he showcased his talent for classic R&B and pop. His cover of “Hot Hot Hot” became a hit and marked his entry into the US Top 40.
Despite his earlier struggles, the New York Dolls reunited in 2004, thanks to Morrissey, and released three more studio albums. Johansen and his bandmates continued to tour until 2011, reviving their music for a new generation.
In addition to music, Johansen had an acting career. He famously starred in the film “Scrooged” alongside Bill Murray and also worked as a radio host and painter. Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese co-directed a recent documentary about him titled “Personality Crisis: One Night Only.”
Johansen had been living with cancer for many years. His stepdaughter shared that he had been in intensive treatment for stage 4 cancer and faced severe health challenges, including a brain tumor and a broken back from a fall. He is survived by his wife Mara, whom he married in 2013, and his daughter Leah.
David Johansen’s impact on music and pop culture continues to be felt. His bold style and unforgettable voice will be remembered by fans and musicians alike.
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