Movies

David Johansen, flamboyant New York Dolls frontman, dies at 75

BBG News

As a passionate movie buff, I’m saddened to share the news that David Johansen, the charismatic lead vocalist and final living legend of the raw, groundbreaking punk band, the New York Dolls, has passed away at the age of 75.

As I share this heartbreaking news, I’m compelled to express my deep sorrow as I recall the life of Johnasen, a beloved figure in the world of movies. I learned from various sources that he passed away peacefully at his home in Staten Island, N.Y. His daughter, Leah Hennessy, confirmed this sad news.

Johnasen, who had been battling Stage 4 cancer and a broken back for some time, as detailed on his fundraiser page at Sweet Relief, a charity organization for musicians, left us too soon. His spirit and contributions will live on in our hearts and memories.

In the New York Dolls, Johansen shaped a period when ’70s glam rock was becoming edgier and rawer, as the foundations of punk rock were laid. With a provocative style that challenged gender norms – sporting lipstick, eyeliner, tight leather outfits, and voluptuous hairstyles – the Dolls were undervalued in an era ruled by arena-rock titans.

However, even as bands like MC5, T. Rex, and Suicide were making waves, they redefined the American rock ‘n’ roll tradition and the flair of the British Invasion for an era characterized by decadence, persistence, and urban grit – a sound that would eventually shape punk music.

In an early critique, The Times stated that the band’s debut album was bursting with a casual, untidy nonchalance and was frequently referenced as one of the foundational pieces of the late ’70s punk revolution. David Johansen’s rebellious singing style is undeniable, but unlike the MC5 – fellow pioneers who more directly foreshadowed the raw elements of the impending punk uprising – the Dolls had stronger connections to the mainstream rock genre.

Johansen, hailing from Staten Island, became a member of the Dolls in 1971, making their debut at a local shelter for the homeless. Taking inspiration from David Bowie’s androgyny and the New York underground drag scene, they developed an immediately captivating image. Johansen possessed the sharp, pouty features reminiscent of Mick Jagger, coupled with the sassiness and street-smart attitude typical of his hometown.

In an interview with Rolling Stone in 1972, Johansen stated that all the record companies had visited them. They found us too unconventional, he explained, because they recognized our authenticity and understood that we would go to any lengths, which left them feeling rather apprehensive.

The self-named 1973 first album from the band, with its members adorned on the cover, hinted at the structure of a future rock masterpiece. Produced by Todd Rundgren, this LP included hits such as “Personality Crisis,” “Bad Girl,” and “Trash.” These tracks blended girl-group melodies with raw, freeform guitar riffs (thanks to guitarist Johnny Thunders) in a brief span of time. The more introspective acoustic ballad “Lonely Planet Boy” and the bluesy “Looking For A Kiss” showcased a broad spectrum of talent and a deep understanding of rock’s past.

In the limited circle of trendsetters during that period, the album was highly praised – it was well-received at the Mercer Arts Center, a downtown club often attended by Andy Warhol. The Smiths’ lead singer Morrissey was captivated by a BBC broadcast featuring the Dolls performing “Jet Boy,” and he even became president of their U.K. fan club. However, the album didn’t sell well, only reaching No. 116 on the Billboard charts. Their subsequent release, “Too Much Too Soon” in 1974, also failed to make a significant commercial impact.

The problem of addiction significantly impacted the band, causing many setbacks. Even with a change in management later in their career, spearheaded by the influential figure Malcolm McLaren who also managed the Sex Pistols, the Dolls ultimately disbanded in 1976.

Johansen, formerly known for his work with The Dolls, resurfaced as a solo artist drawing heavily from their discography. Frequently collaborating with his ex-bandmate Sylvain Sylvain, he experienced an unanticipated pop comeback in the ’80s. By adopting the persona of Buster Poindexter, a smooth and debonair lounge singer, he managed to secure a hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a regular fixture on MTV with his cover of the popular calypso song “Hot Hot Hot”. However, as he admitted later, this very same song was, in his own words, “the bane of my existence”.

The unexpected success of his work caught the eye of Hollywood, leading him to make his television debut in 1985 on “Miami Vice.” He then landed roles such as the Ghost of Christmas Past in the popular holiday film “Scrooged” with Bill Murray (1988) and a priest in “Married to the Mob.” This marked the beginning of a bustling career as a character actor during the ’80s and ’90s, featuring in films like “Let it Ride” and “Mr. Nanny.

It appeared that a Dolls reunion was improbable since both Thunder and drummer Jerry Nolan passed away in 1991. However, against all odds, the remaining three band members reunited in 2004 for a performance at the Meltdown festival, which was organized by Morrissey in London.

In a 2022 documentary titled “Personality Crisis: One Night Only,” Johansen recounted, “[Morrissey] reached out and mentioned that he knew I was quite fond of Maria Callas. He then said, ‘You’re aware of the film she made at the Royal Festival Hall?.. Would you be interested in performing at the Royal Festival Hall yourself?… The catch is, you need to reunite The Dolls.’

Johansen stated, “I searched every opium den in Chinatown and assembled that group of musicians.” He declared they were exceptional.

Despite the passing of bassist Arthur “Killer” Kane just weeks afterwards, Johansen and Sylvain persisted with a revamped Dolls lineup and produced three additional albums – “One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This” (2006), “Cause I Sez So” (2009), and “Dancing Backward in High Heels” (2011).

In the ’80s, I had the privilege of joining forces with Mötley Crüe and Poison, two iconic stadium acts grappling with substantial debts. Our unique fashion sense and infectious hard rock tunes made us a perfect fit for the tour. However, after that massive tour, neither the road nor the studio beckoned us again.

In 2020, director Martin Scorsese, a contemporary from the ’70s New York scene and a devoted fan of Dolls, collaborated with David Tedeschi to record a solo performance by Johansen at New York’s Café Carlyle. They utilized this recording as the foundation for the 2022 documentary “Personality Crisis: One Night Only,” which explores Johansen’s life and his profound influence on rock music during a specific era.

In the annals of history, people have often been characterized as “trashy,” “flashy,” “drug addicts,” and “drag queens.” This was a perception Johansen had internalized by 2004 when he spoke with Terry Gross. However, upon revisiting and dissecting this image, he found that it wasn’t just a series of negative labels; it represented art in its truest form.

Johansen’s survivors include wife Mara Hennessey and daughter Leah Hennessey.

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2025-03-01 23:01

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