David Johansen, the iconic singer known for his work with the New York Dolls and as the lounge singer Buster Poindexter, has passed away at the age of 75. His death was confirmed on Saturday by his wife, Mara Hennessey, who shared that he had been suffering from stage 4 cancer and a brain tumor, which he had battled for over a decade.

Johansen's stint with the New York Dolls in the early 1970s marked a significant moment in the history of punk and glam rock. The band, which he formed in 1971 with Arthur Kane, Billy Murcia, Johnny Thunders, and later Sylvain Sylvain, was known for its flamboyant style characterized by heavy makeup, teased hair, and gender-bending fashion—a precursor to the punk movement that followed.Source

Despite releasing only two albums, "New York Dolls" (1973) and "Too Much Too Soon" (1974), both produced by industry luminaries Todd Rundgren and Shadow Morton, the Dolls gained critical acclaim without notable commercial success. Their influential sound and style attracted the attention of music critics and fellow artists, setting the stage for future genres like heavy metal and glam.Source

Critics have consistently acknowledged the Dolls' role in paving the way for bands such as the Ramones, Sex Pistols, and The Damned. Johansen’s unique vocal style and campy stage persona influenced the aesthetics of punk rock, blending raw emotion with extravagant fashion. As Todd Abramson, a noted music historian, said, "He made it work! You and I would look like absolute idiots but he looked cool."

After the New York Dolls disbanded, Johansen reinvented himself as Buster Poindexter, adopting a more accessible musical style that culminated in the party hit "Hot Hot Hot" in 1987. He often appeared on Saturday Night Live and took on acting roles in films like "Scrooged" alongside Bill Murray. His multifaceted talents never limited him; he also formed a new band, The Harry Smiths, focusing on blues and American folk music throughout the 1990s and 2000s.Source

Johansen’s rich legacy has been celebrated in various media, including a recent documentary directed by Martin Scorsese that showcased his vibrant career and personal reflections.Source His contributions to music and culture have left an indelible mark. "We had a marvelous adventure of a life together," Hennessey remarked, encapsulating Johansen's passionate spirit and enduring influence.

Johansen is survived by his wife, Mara, and his daughter, Leah Hennessey, profoundly mourned in the artistic community and beyond.