David Johansen, singer of the New York Dolls band, dies at 75
NEW YORK, March 2, (AP): David Johansen, the wiry, gravelly-voiced singer and last surviving member of the glam and protopunk band the New York Dolls who later performed as his campy, pompadoured alter ego, Buster Poindexter, has died. He was 75.
Johansen died Friday at his home in New York City, Jeff Kilgour, a family spokesperson told The Associated Press. It was revealed in early 2025 that he had stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor.
The New York Dolls were forerunners of punk and the band's style - teased hair, women's clothes and lots of makeup - inspired the glam movement that took up residence in heavy metal a decade later in bands like Faster Pussycat and Mötley Crüe.
"When you're an artist, the main thing you want to do is inspire people, so if you succeed in doing that, it's pretty gratifying,' Johansen told The Knoxville News-Sentinel in 2011.
Guitarist Steve Stevens, a kid from Queens who went on to work with Billy Idol and Robert Palmer, said the Dolls were never about technique: "It was always about the sound of the subway, the stinking, overflowing garbage cans, the misfits of Times Square. The Dolls did it to perfection. Safe travels David Johansen,' he wrote on X.
Rolling Stone once called the Dolls "the mutant children of the hydrogen age' and Vogue called them the "darlings of downtown style, tarted-up toughs in boas and heels.'
"The New York Dolls were more than musicians; they were a phenomenon. They drew on old rock 'n' roll, big-city blues, show tunes, the Rolling Stones and girl groups, and that was just for starters,' Bill Bentley wrote in "Smithsonian Rock and Roll: Live and Unseen.'
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. In 2004, former Smiths frontman and Dolls admirer Morrissey convinced Johansen and other surviving members to regroup for the Meltdown Festival in England, leading to three more studio albums.
In the '80s, Johansen assumed the persona of Buster Poindexter, a pompadour-styled lounge lizard who had a hit with the kitschy party single "Hot, Hot, Hot' in 1987. He also appeared in such movies as "Candy Mountain,' "Let It Ride,' "Married to the Mob' and had a memorable turn as the Ghost of Christmas Past in Bill Murray-led hit "Scrooged.'
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.
"I used to think about my voice like: 'What's it gonna sound like? What's it going to be when I do this song?' And I'd get myself into a knot about it,' Johansen told The Associated Press in 2023. "At some point in my life, I decided: 'Just sing the (expletive) song. With whatever you got.' To me, I go on stage and whatever mood I'm in, I just claw my way out of it, essentially.'
David Roger Johansen was born to a large, working class Catholic family on Staten Island, his father an insurance salesman. He filled notebooks with poems and lyrics as a young man and liked a lot of different music - R&B, Cuban, Janis Joplin and Otis Redding.
The Dolls - the final original lineup included guitarists Sylvain Sylvain and Johnny Thunders, bassist Arthur Kane and drummer Jerry Nolan - rubbed shoulders with Lou Reed and Andy Warhol in the Lower East Side of Manhattan the early 1970s.
They took their name from a toy hospital in Manhattan and were expected to take over the throne vacated by the Velvet Underground in the early 1970s. But neither of their first two albums - 1973's "New York Dolls,' produced by Todd Rundgren, nor "Too Much Too Soon' a year later produced by Shadow Morton - charted.
"They're definitely a band to keep both eyes and ears on,' read the review of their debut album in Rolling Stone, complementary of their "strange combination of high pop-star drag and ruthless street arrogance.'
Their songs included "Personality Crisis' ("You got it while it was hot/But now frustration and heartache is what you got'), "Looking for a Kiss' (I need a fix and a kiss') and a "Frankenstein' (Is it a crime/For you to fall in love with Frankenstein?')
Their glammed look was meant to embrace fans with a nonjudgmental, noncategorical space. "I just wanted to be very welcoming,' Johansen said in the documentary, "'cause the way this society is, it was set up very strict - straight, gay, vegetarian, whatever... I just kind of wanted to kind of like bring those walls down, have a party kind of thing.'
Rolling Stone, reviewing their second album, called them "the best hard-rock band in America right now' and called Johansen a "talented showman, with an amazing ability to bring characters to life as a lyricist.'
Decades later, the Dolls' influence would be cherished. Rolling Stone would list their self-titled debut album at No. 301 of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, writing "it's hard to imagine the Ramones or the Replacements or a thousand other trash-junky bands without them.'
Blondie's Chris Stein in the Nolan biography "Stranded in the Jungle' wrote that the Dolls were "opening a door for the rest of us to walk through.' Tommy Lee of Motley Crue called them early inspirations.
"Johansen is one of those singers, to be a little paradoxical, who is technically better and more versatile than he sounds,' said the Los Angeles Times in 2023. "His voice has always been a bit of a foghorn - higher or lower according to age, habits and the song at hand - but it has a rare emotional urgency.
The Dolls, representing rock at it's most debauched, were divisive. In 1973, they won the Creem magazine poll categories as the year's best and worst new group. They were nominated several times for The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame but never got in.
"Dirty angels with painted faces, the Dolls opened the box usually reserved for Pandora and unleashed the infant furies that would grow to become Punk,' wrote Nina Antonia in the book "Too Much, Too Soon.' "As if this legacy wasn't enough for one band, they also trashed sexual boundaries, savaged glitter and set new standards for rock 'n' roll excess.'
By the end of their first run, the Dolls were being managed by legendary promoter Malcolm McLaren, who would later introduce the Sex Pistols to the Dolls' music. Culture critic Greil Marcus in "Lipstick Traces: A Secret History of the Twentieth Century' writes the Dolls played him some of their music and he couldn't believe how bad they were.
"The fact that they were so bad suddenly hit me with such force that I began to realize, ''I'm laughing, I'm talking to these guys, I'm looking at them, and I'm laughing with them; and I was suddenly impressed by the fact that I was no longer concerned with whether you could play well,' McLaren said. "The Dolls really impressed upon me that there was something else. There was something wonderful. I thought how brilliant they were to be this bad.'
After the first demise of the Dolls, Johansen started his own group, the David Johansen band, before reinventing himself yet again in the 1980s as Buster Poindexter.
Inspired by his passion for the blues and arcane American folk music Johansen also formed the group The Harry Smiths, and toured the world performing the songs of Howlin' Wolf with Hubert Sumlin and Levon Helm. He also hosted the weekly radio show "The Mansion of Fun' on Sirius XM and painted.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
11-06-2025
- Arab Times
Johnson, Song decode love in ‘Materialists'
LOS ANGELES, June 11, (AP): Before Celine Song was an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, she was a playwright in New York who needed day jobs to pay rent. That's how she found herself as a professional matchmaker. What may have begun as a purely transactional gig, a way for her to keep making her art in an expensive city, taught her more about people's wants and needs and the true contents of their hearts than she could have ever imagined. 'I always wanted to write something about it because there seemed to be a story in it that is massive and very epic in proportion,' Song said. 'It affects every human being on Earth.' And while waiting for her breakout film 'Past Lives' to debut, she did. That film is 'Materialists,' a modern-day New York love story starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans that's heading to theaters this weekend. Johnson is the matchmaker presented with two different types of men for herself - one a poor, struggling actor and ex-boyfriend, the other a wealthy 'unicorn' - and the internet has already been drawing battle lines. But, like 'Past Lives' wasn't really about a love triangle, 'Materialists' is about something more than the question of which guy is the 'correct' choice. Song and Johnson spoke with The Associated Press about the film, falling in love and the modern marketplace of dating. Remarks have been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: How did you find each other? Song: We met up thinking that we were just going to get to know each other and be friends and I walked away from that conversation - this is just from my perspective - but I think I was still sitting there when I texted my producers and the studio being like, 'I think I've found my Lucy.' That's how casting works for me, it's always about falling in love. It's very connected to what we talk about in the film. Like, there's no mathematical anything. It just the feeling that you get talking to someone and you're like, oh I just know. Johnson: I knew you had this movie that you were about to start making. I was basically told it was too late. I was like, but I really want to meet her because she's so smart, and I've seen interviews and obviously had seen 'Past Lives.' I just wanted talk and get to know her as an artist and a person and so I went into this being like there's no chance that I'll be in this movie, but maybe she'll make another one. We just had such a good time talking, I didn't even know that I was someone she was thinking about. A few weeks later we spoke. It was very romantic. AP: Where do we meet Lucy in life? Johnson: She's sort of at the top of her game in her work and is very disconnected from her heart and focused on being a perfectionist and getting people to get married. On the surface, you see her as a very transactional person and not really invested in people's souls, but she actually is and really does want the best for them. She's also on her own journey of trying to figure out what it is she wants for herself in this life, and, essentially, do you fight for the thing that you think you want, or do you fight for that thing that you know you need? Is that right, Celine? Song: That's so good. AP: What are you trying to say through the two men in her life? Song: It was never going to be a conversation about which flavor of a person. It's actually so much more about this marketplace of dating that all of us live in if you're single, and also the marketplace that Dakota's character is navigating. She knows the math better than anyone else in the film. She's an excellent matchmaker. Pedro plays somebody who is probably, in straight dating, someone of the highest possible value. Chris' character, in the spectrum in the marketplace of values of dating, is someone who is of the lowest value possible. I find them to be such adorable characters, very worthy of an adoration. Lucy knows exactly where they fall in the in the stock market of men. It's actually about the way that the math around that is going to blow up. Johnson: Celine speaks so eloquently about the marketplace of dating and I glitch at those words because I'm like, you can't explain love that way. But that's actually how people are. Marriage used to be a business deal. It was like, my father wants your cows and my mother needs your wheat and whatever. It was a trade-off. But now there's all these books about how we expect our partner to fulfill every single aspect of our needs. And the world being dominated by social media, people don't meet in real life anymore. They don't behave normally in public. People are in a very strange place in evolution, and I think the difference between these two characters and these two men, sure they are different ends of the spectrum in terms of like technical value, materialistic value. But also each of them have the opposite in terms of psycho-spiritual value and emotional value and what they can offer the other person in terms of soul evolution and growth. Perhaps because she works in this world of trying to understand people and what they want, she's forced to go more inward and really interrogate herself and say, what do I really want and what is actually important in this life? Is it how much money I have or is it how truly loved I am? Song: To me, it's about this contradiction, right? It's this thing of how we talk about what we want in our partner, when we're asked to use language to describe it, and how we literally, spiritually fall in love. The gap between those two things is terrifyingly big. To me, that's where the mystery of the film is.
Arab Times
10-06-2025
- Arab Times
BET Awards 2025 brings star power, tributes, and social justice
LOS ANGELES, June 10, (AP): The BET Awards delivered a night of major star power and poignant moments Monday night, marking the ceremony's 25th anniversary with a mix of comedy, emotion, and calls for justice. The night delivered a stirring mix of purpose and entertainment from Doechii 's powerful speech, Jamie Foxx 's emotional reflection and Kevin Hart 's sharp comedic opener. Doechii made her presence felt early during the five-hour ceremony, using her acceptance speech for best female hip-hop artist to draw attention to the immigration raids and protest crackdowns taking place just miles from the venue. Her message added urgency and depth to a ceremony meant to honor both Black excellence and social impact. After being named best female hip-hop artist - her first-ever BET Award - Doechii acknowledged her fellow nominees, then shifted the spotlight to the issues unfolding outside the venue. "There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,' said Doechii, who won a Grammy for best rap album, only the third woman to win in that category. "Trump is using military forces to stop a protest,' she said. "I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?' Doechii's words drew applause from the audience at the Peacock Theater, where the awards aired live. "People are being swept up and torn from their families,' she continued. "I feel like it's my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people. … We all deserve to live in hope and not fear. I hope we stand together.' Foxx, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg and Kirk Franklin received the Ultimate Icon Award. They were selected due to their impact on entertainment as well as their community impact and advocacy. Foxx was the first to receive his award. He was visibly moved during a heartfelt moment at the awards, being brought to tears while accepting his trophy after surviving a life-threatening health scare in recent years. The Oscar and Grammy winner reflected on watching the in memoriam tribute from his seat. "When I saw the memoriam, I was like, 'Man, that could've been me,'' said Foxx, who was hospitalized in 2023 after suffering a stroke. In an interview with The Associated Press, he recalled the severity of the moment: "The thing was almost a wrap. Every prayer counted.' Foxx was presented the award by music legend Stevie Wonder, adding even more weight to the emotional moment. As he stood on stage, his voice cracked with gratitude. "I don't know why I went through what I went through. But I know my second chance - I won't turn it down,' Foxx said, as his two daughters and sister wiped away tears from the audience. "I have so much love to give. Just give me one more crack at this. Whatever reason you put this on me, I promise I'll do right. … You can't go through something like that and not testify.' Carey said this was her first time collecting a trophy at the BET Awards. The singer said she became emotional after Busta Rhymes introduced her. "It took me a while, but I finally realized that life is far too short to live for anyone else's approval, which is something I always did,' said Carey, a five-time Grammy winner. "I decided to own who I am.' Dr. Dre presented the award to Snoop, who walked onstage with his wife Shante Taylor. In his speech, he paid homage to Carey, Franklin, and Foxx before thanking the many others who helped him throughout his life. "Hip-hop gave me a voice. It gave me a purpose,' he said. "It gave me a way out and a way into homes, hearts, cultures, and countries I'd never thought I would even touch. Being an icon isn't about fame. It's about legacy. It's about what you build, what you leave behin,d and who you lift up along the way.' Franklin expressed gratitude for the honor, admitting he's far from the perfect Christian, husband, father, or artist. He joked, "I can't even sing.' "Which makes this award so amazing, because what I do really don't make sense," he said. "If you're listening to this, that's when you know it's God.' Hart kicked off the awards with a flurry of jokes, poking fun at everything from celebrity names to slippery afterparties. "There won't be any afterparties tonight. Things could get slippery,' he quipped, referencing baby oil that's been frequently mentioned in the criminal case against Diddy. Hart set the tone for a night full of humor and on a night honoring the awards show's 25th anniversary. The comedian also joked about the pronunciation of GloRilla and Snoop's real names, drawing laughs from the crowd before turning sincere. Hart paid tribute to Foxx and teased gospel star Franklin. "When you get your award tonight, don't come up here front twerking,' Hart said, as the crowd erupted in laughter. The jab was a nod to Franklin's viral moment when he playfully twerked on gospel legend Jacky Clark Chisholm during a live performance. "Don't come up here poppin',' Hart added, as cameras caught Franklin bowing his head and chuckling. "Don't try to blame it on the Lord. The Lord didn't ask for that. Put it away, Kirk.' Kendrick Lamar took home the award for his critically acclaimed project "GNX.' Lamar made waves with his Grammy triumph, winning song and record of the year for "Not Like Us.' He followed up with a groundbreaking halftime show, becoming the first solo hip-hop performer to headline the coveted slot. The rap megastar is currently on the Grand National Tour with SZA. Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Amerie, Jim Jones, and Teyana Taylor were some of the performers who hit the stage. Other performers included Babyface, Ludacris, Tank, Jennifer Hudson, Teddy Riley, T-Pain, Doug E. Fresh, Craig Robinson, Playboi Cart,i and singer Leon Thomas. The BET Awards offered tributes to former popular hosts and performances, including the network's once-flagship program "106 & Park. ' The weekday show launched in 2000 and lasted for more than a decade. It thrived with a video countdown, interviews, and performances. The show reunited past hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J. The tribute will feature performers such as Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I,. and Mr. 106 & Park.
Arab Times
03-06-2025
- Arab Times
'King Of The Hill' voice actor Jonathan Joss fatally shot outside his Texas home
HOUSTON, June 3, (AP): Jonathan Joss, a voice actor best known for his work on the animated television series "King of the Hill,' was fatally shot near his Texas home, authorities said Monday. Police were dispatched to a home in south San Antonio about 7 p.m. Sunday on a shooting in progress call. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the wounded 59-year-old near the street. "The officers attempted life-saving measures until EMS arrived. EMS pronounced the victim deceased,' San Antonio police said in a statement. Joss' husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, confirmed the actor's death to The Associated Press in a text. The two were married earlier this year on Valentine's Day. In an email, San Antonio police did not immediately provide any information on what prompted the shooting. In a statement, de Gonzales said he and Joss had previously faced harassment, much of it "openly homophobic.' Joss' husband said the person who killed the actor yelled "violent homophobic slurs' before opening fire. "He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other,' de Gonzales said. Before the shooting, de Gonzales and Joss were checking mail at Joss' home, which had been heavily damaged during a January fire that claimed the lives of their three dogs. A man approached the two and threatened them with a gun, de Gonzales said. "Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. When the man fired Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,' de Gonzales said in a statement. After the shooting, authorities arrested 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja and charged him with murder in Joss' death. Court records did not list an attorney who could speak on behalf of Ceja, who was being held in the Bexar County Adult Detention Center. In a statement, San Antonio police said its investigation "has found no evidence whatsoever to indicate that Mr. Joss's murder was related to his sexual orientation." "We take such allegations very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed all available information. Should any new evidence come to light, we will charge the suspect accordingly," police said. Joss, who grew up in San Antonio, was best known as the voice of John Redcorn, a Native American character on the popular "King of the Hill' animated series that ran for 13 seasons from 1997 to 2008. A reboot of the show is set to start in August. Joss also had a recurring role on the television show "Parks and Recreation,' playing Chief Ken Hotate. He appeared in two episodes of the series "Tulsa King' in 2022. A GoFundMe page had been set up in January for Joss after the house fire. According to the page, Joss had lost all of his belongings in the fire, including his vehicle. Before he was fatally shot, Joss had been in Austin, located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of San Antonio, for events related to a sneak peak of the "King of the Hill' revival. On Saturday, Joss had posted a video on Instagram in which he said he was signing autographs at a comic book store in Austin. "The fans get to revisit 'King of the Hill' again, which I think is an amazing thing because it's a great show,' Joss said in the video, adding he had already done voice work on four episodes of the revival. Joss' husband said Joss was grateful for his fans.
