Joey Ramone | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Jeffrey Ross Hyman |
Also known as | Joey Ramone Jeff Starship |
Born | Queens, New York City, U.S. | May 19, 1951
Died | April 15, 2001 New York City, U.S. | (aged 49)
Genres | Punk rock |
Occupation | Singer |
Years active | 1972–2001 |
Labels | |
Formerly of | |
Website | joeyramone |
Jeffrey Ross Hyman (May 19, 1951 – April 15, 2001), known professionally as Joey Ramone, was an American singer, songwriter, and the lead vocalist and founding member of the punk rock band Ramones. Having co-founded the Ramones with Johnny Ramone and Dee Dee Ramone in 1974, his image, voice, and tenure with the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.[1]
Born to a Jewish family, Joey grew up in Queens, New York. He was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia at age 18. After previously playing in the glam punk band Sniper from 1972 to 1974, Joey cofounded the Ramones in 1974. Initially the band's drummer, Joey soon switched to lead vocals shortly after the group's formation. Appearing on all the band's releases, he, along with guitarist Johnny Ramone, were the only two original members who stayed in the band until its disbandment in 1996.
Following the Ramones' disbandment, he embarked on a solo career before dying of lymphoma in 2001. His debut solo album Don't Worry About Me was released the following year.