Johnny Thunders Biography

Johnny Thunders was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as a member of bands such as the ‘New York Dolls’ and ‘The Heartbreakers.’ Born and raised in Queens, New York City, Thunders began performing during his high-school years. He was a huge fan of the hard rock genre and idolized bands such as ‘Shangri-Las’ and ‘The Rolling Stones.’ He took inspiration from Keith Richards and copied his style during his teenage years. During his late teens, he joined several bands, such as ‘Johnny and the Jaywalkers’ and ‘The Reign.’ In 1971, he joined the band called the ‘New York Dolls’ and released albums such as ‘New York Dolls’ and ‘Too Much Too Soon.’ In the mid-1970s, he left the ‘New York Dolls’ and started a new band named ‘The Heartbreakers.’ With the latest band, he released just a single album, titled ‘L.A.M.F.’ In 1978, Johnny went solo and released his debut solo album, ‘So Alone.’ The album became a huge critical and commercial success. He then released more albums, such as ‘In Cold Blood,’ ‘Hurt Me,’ and ‘Copy Cats.’ Johnny remained a lifelong drug addict and passed away due to a drug overdose at the tender age of 38. However, the true cause of his death is still debated.