The New York Dolls

The New York Dolls were a highly influential rock music band that formed in New York City in 1971, known for their unique blend of blues music, garage rock, and glam rock. The band's original lineup included David Johansen on vocals, Johnny Thunders and Sylvain Sylvain on guitar, Arthur Kane on bass, and Billy Murcia on drums, and they were often compared to other notable bands of the time, such as The Stooges and The MC5. The New York Dolls were a key part of the Max's Kansas City scene, alongside other notable bands like The Velvet Underground and Blondie. They were also influenced by earlier artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard.

History

The New York Dolls formed in 1971, and their early years were marked by a series of gigs at notable venues like Max's Kansas City and CBGB. The band's original drummer, Billy Murcia, died in 1972, and was replaced by Jerry Nolan, who had previously played with The New York Dolls' friends and contemporaries, The Mott the Hoople. The band released their debut album, New York Dolls, in 1973 to critical acclaim, with many comparing them to other influential bands of the time, such as The Rolling Stones and The Who. The album was produced by Todd Rundgren, who had also worked with other notable bands like Grand Funk Railroad and Meat Loaf. The New York Dolls' second album, Too Much Too Soon, was released in 1974, and was produced by George Morton, who had previously worked with The Shangri-Las and The Young Rascals.

Music Style and Influences

The New York Dolls' music style was a unique blend of blues music, garage rock, and glam rock, with influences from earlier artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard. The band's sound was also influenced by the British Invasion bands, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, as well as the soul music of James Brown and Aretha Franklin. The New York Dolls were often compared to other notable bands of the time, such as The Stooges and The MC5, and were a key part of the protopunk movement, alongside other bands like The Velvet Underground and Blondie. The band's music was also influenced by the art rock of David Bowie and Roxy Music, and the punk rock of The Ramones and The Sex Pistols.

Band Members

The New York Dolls' original lineup included David Johansen on vocals, Johnny Thunders and Sylvain Sylvain on guitar, Arthur Kane on bass, and Billy Murcia on drums. After Billy Murcia's death, the band recruited Jerry Nolan as their new drummer, who had previously played with The New York Dolls' friends and contemporaries, The Mott the Hoople. The band's lineup changed several times over the years, with other notable members including Peter Perrett of The Only Ones and Steve Conte of Company of Wolves. The New York Dolls were also associated with other notable musicians, such as Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, who were both influential figures in the punk rock and art rock movements.

Discography

The New York Dolls released two studio albums during their original run, New York Dolls in 1973 and Too Much Too Soon in 1974. The band also released several live albums and compilations, including Red Patent Leather and Lipstick Killers. In 2006, the band released their third studio album, One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This, which featured a new lineup including David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain, and Steve Conte. The album was produced by Jack Douglas, who had previously worked with Aerosmith and John Lennon. The New York Dolls' music has been released on several notable labels, including Mercury Records, Roadrunner Records, and Atco Records.

Legacy and Impact

The New York Dolls were a highly influential band, and their music has had a lasting impact on the rock music genre. The band's unique blend of blues music, garage rock, and glam rock influenced a wide range of other artists, including The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned. The New York Dolls were also a key part of the protopunk movement, alongside other bands like The Velvet Underground and Blondie. The band's music has been covered by numerous other artists, including Guns N' Roses and The Replacements, and they have been name-checked by a wide range of other notable bands, including The Ramones and The Smiths. The New York Dolls were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, alongside other notable bands like The Stooges and The Dave Clark Five. Category:American rock music groups