David Johansen, 'New York Dolls' singer and punk icon, dies at 75
David Johansen, legendary frontman of the 'New York Dolls' and 'Buster Poindexter' singer, has passed away at 75. A look back at his impact on rock music.
David Johansen, the legendary frontman of the New York Dolls and the last surviving member of the proto-punk band, has passed away at the age of 75. Known for his influential role in punk rock, his reinvention as Buster Poindexter, and his contributions to film and television, Johansen’s legacy spans decades of musical and artistic evolution.
David Johansen was the last surviving member of 'The New York Dolls'. Photo: Wikipedia
Johansen’s final years and health struggles
In February 2025, Johansen publicly revealed that he had been battling stage four cancer, a brain tumor, and a broken back. His diagnosis came in 2020, and his declining health prevented him from performing in the final years of his life.
His daughter, Leah Hennessey, confirmed that he passed away at his home in New York on Friday.
Johansen is survived by his wife, Mara Hennessey, and his daughter, Leah Hennessey.
From Staten Island to the birth of Punk Rock
Johansen’s journey in music began in the 1960s as a singer for the local band Vagabond Missionaries. In 1971, he joined what would become one of the most influential rock bands of the era, the New York Dolls.
The band made their debut with a Christmas Eve performance at a homeless shelter, and by 1973, they released their first album, New York Dolls, produced by Todd Rundgren. The album, featuring the band members dressed in drag, embraced the glam rock aesthetic popularized by David Bowie and other trailblazers of the time.
'The New York Dolls Album'. Photo: Wikipedia
With their hard-hitting mix of punk, glam, and raw rock energy, the New York Dolls produced classics like “Personality Crisis”, becoming a major influence on later bands like The Ramones. However, despite critical acclaim, their albums did not sell well, and the group became infamous for drug-fueled antics and chaos rather than commercial success.
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Solo career and the rise of 'Buster Poindexter'
After the 'New York Dolls' disbanded in 1976, Johansen embarked on a solo career, frequently playing Dolls’ songs and touring with fellow band member Sylvain Sylvain. In 1982, he even opened for 'The Who' during their East Coast tour.
'Buster Poindexter' is David Johansen's lounge singer persona. Photo: Amazon
However, in the late 1980s, Johansen rebranded himself as 'Buster Poindexter', embracing a lounge singer persona. This transformation led to his biggest mainstream hit, “Hot Hot Hot,” which became an anthem of the era. He also performed with the Saturday Night Live band, further solidifying his place in pop culture history.
'New York Dolls' reunion and legacy
The New York Dolls reunited in 2004, with Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain, and Arthur Kane leading the charge. The band went on to release three more albums and tour, introducing their music to a new generation of fans.
In 2023, Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi directed Personality Crisis: One Night Only, a documentary tribute to Johansen’s life and career, further cementing his impact on rock history.