David Johansen, Lead Singer of New York Dolls, Dies at 75

Image credits: Bettmann Archive via Getty Images

David Johansen, the versatile and multitalented lead singer of the seminal proto-glam-punk band New York Dolls, has died at the age of 75. Johansen passed away on Friday, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans and fellow artists paying tribute to his enduring legacy.

As the lead singer of the New York Dolls, Johansen was known for his unique voice, style, and stage presence, which blended elements of rock, punk, and glam to create a truly distinctive sound. The band's influence can be seen in many later artists, including Blondie, Aerosmith, and the Sex Pistols, and their visual aesthetic helped to birth the 1980s hair metal scene. Despite never achieving widespread commercial success during their 1970s heyday, the New York Dolls exerted a galvanizing influence on early punk and glam rock, and were nominated three times for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work with the New York Dolls, Johansen also found success as a solo artist, releasing several albums and performing with various bands, including his own blues outfit, The Harry Smiths. He also enjoyed a career as an actor, appearing in films such as "Scrooged" and "Married to the Mob," and had a memorable turn as the Ghost of Christmas Past in the 1988 hit comedy "Scrooged." In the 1980s, Johansen rebranded himself as the tuxedoed, pompadour-topped throwback lounge singer Buster Poindexter, scoring a modest Billboard Hot 100 hit with his 1987 cover of the dance song "Hot Hot Hot."

Johansen's legacy extends far beyond his own music and performances, however. He was a true original, a pioneer of the punk and glam movements, and his influence can be seen in many later artists. His commitment to his art and his refusal to compromise his vision have inspired generations of fans and artists, and his music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by people all over the world. Some of his notable works include the albums "New York Dolls" and "Too Much Too Soon," as well as his hit single "Hot Hot Hot" as Buster Poindexter. He also appeared in several films, including "Candy Mountain," "Let It Ride," and "Scrooged," and had a memorable turn as the Ghost of Christmas Past in the 1988 hit comedy.

Johansen is survived by his wife, Mara Hennessey, and their stepdaughter, Leah Hennessey. His passing is a tremendous loss to the music world, but his legacy will live on through his music, his art, and the countless fans and artists he inspired. The following are some of his notable

• Albums: "New York Dolls," "Too Much Too Soon," "Buster Poindexter," "The Harry Smiths"
• Films: "Candy Mountain," "Let It Ride," "Married to the Mob," "Scrooged"
• Awards: Nominated three times for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Notable performances: The New York Dolls' performance at the Waldorf Halloween Ball, Buster Poindexter's performance on "Saturday Night Live"