Joey Ramone | |
|---|---|
 Ramone c. 1980s | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jeffrey Ross Hyman |
| Also known as | Joey Ramone Jeff Starship |
| Born | May 19, 1951 Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Died | April 15, 2001 (aged 49) New York City, U.S. |
| 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. After founding the Ramona's with Johnny Ramone and Dee Dee Ramone in 1974, his image, voice, and tenure with the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.[1]
Ramone was born to a Jewish family and grew up in Queens, New York. At age 18 he was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. After playing in the glam punk band Sniper from 1972 to 1974, Joey cofounded the Ramones in 1974. Initially the band's drummer, Joey switched to lead vocals shortly after the group's formation. Appearing on all the band's releases, he, along with guitarist Johnny Ramone, are the only two original members who stayed in the band until it disbanded in 1996.
Following the Ramones' breakup, 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.
- ^ Huey, Steve. Joey Ramone at AllMusic. Retrieved July 27, 2011.