David Johansen, New York Dolls Frontman and Punk Pioneer, Dies at 75

The influential musician redefined rock with the New York Dolls and later found success with his Buster Poindexter persona.

David Johansen, frontman of the groundbreaking proto-punk band New York Dolls, passed away at his Staten Island home at age 75 due to stage 4 cancer and other health complications.
The New York Dolls, known for their gender-bending style and raw sound, were pivotal in shaping the punk rock movement of the 1970s, influencing bands like The Clash and the Sex Pistols.
After the Dolls disbanded in 1976, Johansen found mainstream success in the 1980s with his lounge-lizard persona Buster Poindexter, including the hit song 'Hot, Hot, Hot.'
Johansen also had a successful acting career, appearing in films such as 'Scrooged' and 'Married to the Mob,' and was featured in Martin Scorsese's 2023 documentary 'Personality Crisis: One Night Only.'
He is survived by his wife Mara Hennessey and stepdaughter Leah Hennessey, who revealed his long battle with cancer and other health challenges in a heartfelt tribute.