Influential Singer David Johansen, Legendary Punk Rock Icon, Dead at 75
David Johansen, the former lead singer for the New York Dolls, whose unvarnished sound and flamboyant style helped inspire punk and glam rock in the 1970s, has died at age 75. He was a native of New York City who formed the Dolls in 1971 with bassist Arthur Kane, drummer Billy Murcia, and guitarists Johnny Thunders and Rick Rivets. Johansen's unique blend of style and raw talent had an outsized influence on rock music.
- The legacy of David Johansen's innovative spirit and unapologetic attitude will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
- How did the intersectionality of punk, glam rock, and his own identity as a gay man shape the distinctive sound and aesthetic that defined the New York Dolls?