Hey music fans we have some sad news to share. David Johansen the voice and heart of the New York Dolls and the fun-loving Buster Poindexter has passed away. He was 75 years old and his impact on music is huge. If you loved punk rock glam or just a great stage presence you knew David Johansen.
From Staten Island to Stage Icon: David Johansen's Wild Ride in Music
David Johansen wasn't just any rock star. He was the last original member standing from the New York Dolls a band that basically helped invent punk. Born in Staten Island he grew up loving all kinds of music from R&B to blues to opera. He started writing lyrics poems filling notebooks with his thoughts. Then came the New York Dolls.
This band was something else. They hit the scene in the early 70s hanging out with artists like Lou Reed and Andy Warhol downtown in NYC. Their look was as important as their sound teased hair makeup women's clothes they were glam before glam was really a thing and definitely proto-punk. Think raw energy subway grit and overflowing trash cans set to music. Guitarist Steve Stevens put it great: the Dolls were about the sound of the city misfits and all. They did it like no one else.
Rolling Stone called them "mutant children of the hydrogen age". Vogue called them "darlings of downtown style tarted-up toughs". They mixed old rock blues show tunes Rolling Stones girl groups everything into a wild sound. Songs like "Personality Crisis" "Looking for a Kiss" and "Frankenstein" were raw fun and totally new.
New York Dolls: Short Run Huge Influence
The Dolls never got super famous in their time. They broke up pretty quick after just two albums due to band drama and life stuff. But their influence is massive. They showed bands like the Ramones Clash and Sex Pistols how to do it. Chris Stein from Blondie said the Dolls opened a door for everyone else. Motley Crue's Tommy Lee called them early heroes.
Even though they were around briefly their debut album is considered a classic. Rolling Stone put it on their 500 Greatest Albums list saying you can't imagine bands like the Ramones without them. They were raw they were loud they were different and they mattered. They were even nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame multiple times showing their lasting impact.
Buster Poindexter: A Hilarious Reinvention
After the Dolls first run David Johansen wasn't done. He changed things up completely becoming Buster Poindexter . Imagine a pompadour tux a whole different persona. Buster was a lounge lizard a funny campy character. And guess what? He had a hit! "Hot Hot Hot" in 1987 became a party anthem totally different from the Dolls raw sound but still pure David Johansen showmanship.
He also acted in movies like "Scrooged" as the Ghost of Christmas Past "Married to the Mob" and "Candy Mountain" showing he could do more than just rock. He even got Martin Scorsese to make a documentary about him in 2023 called "Personality Crisis: One Night Only". It mixed concert footage and interviews showing his whole amazing career. David always said he just wanted to sing the song with whatever he had no matter what mood he was in. He just wanted to claw his way out on stage.
Battling Cancer with Humor and Heart
Recently it was revealed David had been fighting stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor for years. His daughter Leah Hennessey started a fundraising page to help with medical costs saying it was a serious situation. In a video David thanked fans for their support even from his bed showing his humor and spirit were still there despite everything. His wife Mara Hennessey shared that he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love music and flowers. She said they had a "marvelous adventure of a life together" and were grateful for the outpouring of love from everyone.
Remembering a True Original
David Johansen was a true original. He wasn't afraid to be different to break rules to have fun. He inspired countless musicians and fans with his energy his style and his incredible voice. Whether you knew him as the raw rocker of the New York Dolls or the suave lounge lizard Buster Poindexter David Johansen was unforgettable. He leaves behind a fantastic legacy and a lot of people who will miss him deeply. Rock and roll lost a real one.
Key Highlights of David Johansen's Career
- New York Dolls Frontman: Singer for the seminal proto-punk glam band New York Dolls.
- Buster Poindexter Persona: Created the campy lounge singer alter ego Buster Poindexter with hit song "Hot Hot Hot".
- Influence on Punk and Glam Rock: Major influence on genres like punk glam metal and countless artists.
- "Personality Crisis" Song: Iconic New York Dolls song capturing their raw energy and style.
- Scorsese Documentary: Subject of Martin Scorsese's documentary "Personality Crisis: One Night Only".
- Actor: Appeared in films like "Scrooged" "Married to the Mob" and "Candy Mountain".
- Radio Host: Hosted "The Mansion of Fun" radio show on Sirius XM.