By Frank McGurty
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The news of David Johansen’s passing at the age of 75 has left music lovers mourning the loss of a true legend. Johansen, the former frontman of the influential New York Dolls, whose raw sound and flamboyant persona were instrumental in shaping the punk and glam rock scenes of the 1970s, passed away, as confirmed by his wife Mara Hennessey on Saturday.
Describing their life together as a “marvelous adventure,” Hennessey shared that Johansen passed away on Friday afternoon, emphasizing his extraordinary nature. The renowned singer had been battling Stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor, a fact revealed by his daughter Leah Hennessey just last month. She disclosed that Johansen had been fighting cancer for a decade, with his condition deteriorating significantly five years ago.
A native of New York City, Johansen co-founded the New York Dolls in 1971 alongside fellow musicians Arthur Kane, Billy Murcia, Johnny Thunders, and Rick Rivets, later replaced by Sylvain Sylvain in 1972. As the last surviving member of the band’s classic lineup, Johansen played a pivotal role in their early success, with albums like “New York Dolls” (1973) and “Too Much Too Soon” (1974) showcasing his songwriting prowess alongside Thunders.
While the New York Dolls’ albums did not achieve commercial success, their distinctive sound and bold aesthetic, characterized by heavy makeup, extravagant hairstyles, and flashy outfits, garnered widespread recognition and heavily influenced the punk, glam rock, and heavy metal genres for years to come. Critics often credit the band with paving the way for iconic groups such as the Ramones, the Damned, and the Sex Pistols.
Noted for his fearless attitude and unique style, Johansen’s impact transcended his music. Todd Abramson, a music historian and DJ, praised Johansen for his bold fashion choices, remarking that he could effortlessly pull off outfits that would seem preposterous on others. Abramson emphasized Johansen’s ability to exude toughness and attitude, even while donning unconventional attire.
Among those paying tribute to Johansen was Morrissey, the former Smiths frontman and dedicated New York Dolls fan. Morrissey expressed his love and respect for Johansen on his website, underscoring the profound influence the singer had on him personally and musically.
Following the disbandment of the New York Dolls, Johansen reinvented himself as Buster Poindexter, exploring genres such as jump blues and swing, and gaining popularity with the 1987 hit “Hot Hot Hot.” His diverse musical endeavors also included performances with his band the Harry Smiths, acting roles in television and films, and a documentary directed by Martin Scorcese and David Tedeschi that showcased his musical evolution over the
