David Johansen

Best known for his tenure fronting the hugely influential band the New York Dolls, David Johansen was a true chameleon. Transforming from a lipstick-smeared proto-punk hero into a soulful hard rocker, a tuxedo-clad lounge lizard, and a rough-hewn blues shouter, he remained a rock & roll original and a true cultural innovator. Johansen first made his name with the New York Dolls' self-titled debut album, and after their breakup, he stepped out as a solo act with 1978's David Johansen, which paired his swaggering style with a more accessible hard rock sound. What began as a local side project evolved into 1987's Buster Poindexter, which spawned an enduring hit, "Hot Hot Hot." Johansen poured his love of acoustic blues into 2000's David Johansen & the Harry Smiths, and the Dolls enjoyed a surprise second run, cutting One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This in 2006.