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Chuck Negron, Iconic Voice of Three Dog Night, Dies at 83
Los Angeles, CA – Chuck Negron, the unmistakable lead vocalist for the legendary rock band Three Dog Night, passed away on Monday at his home in Studio City. He was 83. The powerhouse voice behind chart-topping hits such as “Joy to the World,” “One,” and “An Old Fashioned Love Song” succumbed to complications from heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, confirmed his publicist, Zach Farnum.
Negron’s distinctive vocals were also featured on other Three Dog Night classics like “Easy To Be Hard” and “The Show Must Go On.” The band, a dominant force in the late 1960s and early ’70s, also delivered memorable tracks including “Black and White,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Never Been to Spain,” and “Shambala.” Their widespread appeal was evident when they hosted and performed on the inaugural edition of Dick Clark’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in December 1972.
Born Charles Negron II on June 8, 1942, in the Bronx, Negron’s musical journey began early, singing in doo-wop groups. His path to Los Angeles was initially paved by a basketball recruitment to California State University, but he soon found his calling in the music industry.
In 1967, he teamed up with Danny Hutton and Cory Wells to form Three Dog Night, a vocal trio blending R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and urban doo-wop influences. Their breakthrough came two years later with the Harry Nilsson-penned “One,” their first million-selling single.
Despite their rapid ascent to stardom, Negron battled severe drug addiction, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the reunited group in late 1985. He spent years grappling with his addiction, even finding himself on Los Angeles’ Skid Row.
However, Negron achieved sobriety in 1991 after numerous rehabilitation stints and subsequently launched a successful solo career, releasing seven albums between 1995 and 2017. His 1999 memoir, “Three Dog Nightmare,” candidly recounted his personal struggles and triumphs.
In a poignant turn, Negron and Danny Hutton, the two surviving founding members, reconciled last year after decades of estrangement. Hutton and Michael Allsup are now the sole remaining members of the original lineup.
Negron continued to perform despite chronic COPD for three decades, a testament to his enduring passion for music. The COVID-19 pandemic ultimately brought his touring career to a close.
He is survived by his wife, Ami Albea Negron, and five children, including Berry Oakley Jr., the son of the late Allman Brothers Band bassist Berry Oakley, whom Negron helped raise.