Chuck Negron, Lead Vocalist of Three Dog Night, Dies at 83
Chuck Negron, a co-founder and lead vocalist of the soul-rock band Three Dog Night, died on Monday at the age of 83. His publicist confirmed that Negron passed away at his home in Studio City, California.
Negron's publicist confirmed that he passed away from complications related to heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Early Life and Career with Three Dog Night
Chuck Negron, alongside Cory Wells and Danny Hutton, formed Three Dog Night in 1967. The group was renowned for interpreting songs by various artists, including Randy Newman, Paul Williams, Laura Nyro, and Nilsson. Negron's distinctive multi-octave tenor was a central and defining component of the band's sound.
Band Success and Key Hits
Between 1969 and 1974, Three Dog Night achieved significant commercial success, releasing 18 top 20 singles, 21 top 40 hits, and 12 gold-certified albums. Their debut album, released in 1968, reached platinum status, and seven subsequent albums through 1974 also achieved gold status.
Negron sang lead on several of the band's most notable songs, including:
- "One," which was the first song on their debut album and reached No. 5 on the Hot 100.
- "Just an Old Fashioned Love Song" / "Old Fashioned Love Song."
- "Joy to the World," which became a No. 1 hit in 1971 and their second No. 1 overall. Negron's efforts were instrumental in the band recording this song.
- "The Show Must Go On."
- "Easy To Be Hard."
The group's first No. 1 hit, "Mama Told Me Not to Come," was notably sung by Cory Wells in 1970.
Post-Three Dog Night and Personal Journey
Internal issues and conflicts led to Three Dog Night disbanding in 1976. The band reunited from 1981 to 1985 before a more permanent separation. Negron left the group in the mid-1980s due to struggles with drug addiction, specifically heroin.
He later estimated spending millions on his habit, at times expending $2,000-$3,000 daily.
In 1991, Negron entered rehabilitation for substance abuse. He detailed his experiences in his 1998 memoir, "Three Dog Nightmare," which documented his battles with addiction and subsequent recovery. Following his recovery, Negron dedicated efforts to helping others with substance abuse, participating in benefits for rehab centers and sharing his experiences at hepatitis conventions.
After his time with Three Dog Night, Negron pursued a solo career, releasing several albums and performing on the oldies circuit for decades until touring paused due to the pandemic. Danny Hutton continues to tour under the Three Dog Night name as the sole original member.
Later Years and Health Management
Last year, Negron and Danny Hutton, who had been estranged for decades, met to resolve past differences; Hutton confirmed this meeting. Cory Wells, the third founding member of Three Dog Night, died in 2015 at the age of 74.
Negron managed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for three decades.
He adapted his live performances to address COPD, utilizing specialized glasses that discreetly fed oxygen from a tank, with the cord modified to resemble a guitar cable.
Survivors
Chuck Negron is survived by his wife, Ami Albea Negron; his children Shaunti Negron Levick, Berry Oakley, Charles Negron III, Charlotte Negron, and Annabelle Negron. He is also survived by his brother Rene Negron and sister Denise Negron, nine grandchildren, five nieces, and two nephews, as well as the mothers of his children: Paula Servetti, Julia Negron, Robin Silna, and Kate Vernon.