David Johansen of New York Dolls Dies at 75 After Battle with Cancer
David Johansen, legendary frontman of New York Dolls and Buster Poindexter, passed away after a long illness, surrounded by family in New York City.
Johansen's death marks a significant loss for the music world, given his impact and legacy.
New York Dolls singer David Johansen dead at 75 after daughter pleads with fans for help
FOX News·8d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
Johansen’s role in the band was instrumental, as even throughout the band’s hiatuses and breakup Johansen would always return as the Dolls’ leading vocalist.
David Johansen, New York Dolls Frontman, Dead at 75
New York Post·9d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
In the New York Dolls, Johansen defined an era when ‘70s glam rock was getting leaner and meaner as the seeds of punk rock began to sow.
David Johansen, flamboyant New York Dolls frontman, dies at 75
Los Angeles Times·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
The Dolls, representing rock at it's most debauched, were divisive.
David Johansen, punk icon and Buster Poindexter alter ego, dies at 75
CBS News·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The New York Dolls, formed in 1971 and fronted by Johansen, were the forerunners of punk – thus, considered proto-punk pioneers – and glam rock as well, showing the way for bands such as Queen and Kiss.
David Johansen, New York Dolls frontman with alter ego Buster Poindexter, dies at 75
USA TODAY·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
But while many of their glammy peers went on to enjoy great commercial success, the Dolls remained a cult favorite, albeit one that had an enormous influence on '70s and '80s rock.
David Johansen, who fronted the New York Dolls, dies at 75
NPR·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The Dolls, representing rock at its most debauched, were divisive.
David Johansen, Singer from the Seminal Punk Band the New York Dolls, Dies at 75
Breitbart News·9d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
The Dolls, representing rock at it’s most debauched, were divisive.
David Johansen, Singer From New York Dolls, Dies at 75
TIME Magazine·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
Their glammed look was meant to embrace fans with a nonjudgmental, noncategorical space.
David Johansen, Singer From The Seminal Punk Band The New York Dolls, Dies At 75
HuffPost·9d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Johansen was in 2023 the subject of Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi’s documentary “Personality Crisis: One Night Only,” which mixed footage of his two-night stand at the Café Carlyle in January 2020 with flashbacks through his wildly varied career and intimate interviews.
David Johansen, singer from the seminal punk band the New York Dolls, dies at 75
Associated Press·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Johansen was the primary creative force behind Dolls classics like “Personality Crisis,” “Looking For a Kiss,” “Jet Boy,” and “Vietnamese Baby.”
David Johansen, New York Dolls Frontman and Punk Pioneer, Dead at 75
Rolling Stone·9d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.LeftThis outlet favors left-wing views.The band never found commercial success and was torn by internal strife and drug addictions, breaking up after two albums by the middle of the decade.
David Johansen, New York Dolls Singer, Dies at 75
Newsmax·9d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Summary
David Johansen, iconic frontman of New York Dolls and solo artist known as Buster Poindexter, died at 75 after fighting stage 4 cancer. He passed peacefully at his New York City home, surrounded by his wife Mara Hennessey and daughter Leah. Johansen, pivotal in the glam rock and punk movements, led the Dolls to critical acclaim despite commercial struggles, inspiring countless artists. His legacy includes a prominent solo career and a recent documentary, 'Personality Crisis: One Night Only.' Johansen is remembered for his vibrant personality and contribution to music, leaving behind a wife and stepdaughter.
Perspectives
Johansen was a charismatic figure in music, known for his flamboyant performances and unique style that mixed punk with glam rock, greatly influencing future generations of musicians.
He became a beloved character in the music scene, and his alter ego Buster Poindexter showcased his versatility, allowing him to pivot successfully from punk to lounge music while maintaining a dedicated fan base.
Johansen's recent health struggles and the support he received from fans and family underscore the human element behind the legendary figure, who remained connected to his roots and to those who appreciated his artistic contributions.