The New York Dolls, a pioneering glam rock band composed of five influential members, each with their own remarkable stories and achievements.
Johnny Thunders (1952-1991) Born John Anthony Genzale, Thunders was born on July 15, 1952, and died at 38 under mysterious circumstances on April 23, 1991. Known for his captivating guitar work and as a charismatic frontman, Thunders earned his fame as a member of the New York Dolls before going on to play with the Heartbreakers and pursuing a solo career. His untimely death took place in his hotel room at The Inn on St. Peter (formerly known as St. Peter Guest House) in New Orleans, Louisiana. The cause remains controversial; while some reports indicated an overdose of cocaine and methadone, others suggested that advanced leukemia could have contributed to his decline. A theory put forth by Dee Dee Ramone alleges that Thunders was murdered when robbed of the abundant supply of methadone he required when on the road. Despite numerous calls from his family for a formal investigation into his death, the New Orleans police department has not acted.
Ora Pro Nobis (Latin: “Pray For Us”)
Jerry Nolan (1946-1992) was born on May 7, 1946, and passed away on January 14, 1992, just months after Thunders. Renowned as a powerful rock drummer for both the New York Dolls and the Heartbreakers, Nolan was a noted steadying figure in bandmate Johnny Thunders’s often chaotic life, being six years his senior. When working on new music, Nolan became gravely ill with bacterial meningitis and pneumonia. During treatment at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York, he suffered a stroke that left him in a coma, ultimately leading to his death. He was laid to rest at Mount Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Flushing, New York, leaving behind a legacy of drumming that defined an era.
Arthur Kane (1949-2004) was born on February 3, 1949. He was the bass guitarist and a founding member of the New York Dolls. He played a crucial role in the band’s formation in 1971 but was forced out in 1975, shortly after Thunders and Nolan departed. In a poignant twist of fate, Kane reunited with his former bandmates in 2004 for a concert in London that was later featured in the documentary New York Doll. On July 13, 2004, just 22 days after Kane’s performance with the New York Dolls, he began to feel unwell. Thinking he may have caught the flu while in London, he checked himself into a Los Angeles hospital, complaining of fatigue. He was quickly diagnosed with leukemia and died within two hours. He was 55 years old. Former bandmate, David Johansen, described him as “nonjudgmental, bawdy and holy.”
Sylvain Sylvain (1951-2021) Born Sylvain Mizrahi on February 14, 1951, he was a pivotal member of the New York Dolls, contributing his guitar talents and flamboyant style. After living in Atlanta for several years, Sylvain moved to Nashville in 2015. On the 27th of April, 2019, Sylvain went public with his cancer diagnosis, setting up a GoFundMe page to help cover treatment costs. He died from cancer at his home on January 13, 2021, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of rock music that continues to inspire new generations.
And finally, David Johansen (1950-2025) Born on January 9, 1950, Johansen was the charismatic lead singer of the New York Dolls, later gaining fame as Buster Poindexter. His vibrant career spanned decades. In 2020, Johansen was diagnosed with stage four cancer and a brain tumor, effectively bringing an end to his music career. His health declined further after a fall in November 2024, when he broke his back in two places and required surgery. His step-daughter launched a fundraiser to help with his treatment on January 10, 2025. He died on February 28, 2025, at the age of 75, in Staten Island, leaving behind an indelible mark on the music world.
Together, these five musicians shaped the sound and style of rock music in the 1970s, forging a path that would influence countless artists in the years to come. Their legacies live on, despite the tragedies that befell them.