Rock Musician. Born John Anthony Genzale in Queens, New York, he renamed himself Johnny Thunders, after a comic book of the same name. As a singer, guitarist, songwriter, he is widely recognized as a foundational influence of the "Punk Rock" genre. He came to prominence in the early 1970s as a member of the New York Dolls, recording two critically acclaimed albums, "The New York Dolls" and "Too Much Too Soon". In 1975, the Dolls broke up and he reformed the band as, Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers and relocated to England. Their popularity was significantly greater in Europe than it was in the United States, signing with Zodiac Records releasing the albums, "L.A.M.F. and "Gang War". Through the 1980's, Thunders had much success as a soloist with hits to include "In Cold Blood" 7" (1983), "Hurt Me" 7" (1984), "Crawfish 7" & 12" (1985) and "Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be)" 7" & 12" (1988). Thunders struggled with drug addiction and died under mysterious circumstances.
Rock Musician. Born John Anthony Genzale in Queens, New York, he renamed himself Johnny Thunders, after a comic book of the same name. As a singer, guitarist, songwriter, he is widely recognized as a foundational influence of the "Punk Rock" genre. He came to prominence in the early 1970s as a member of the New York Dolls, recording two critically acclaimed albums, "The New York Dolls" and "Too Much Too Soon". In 1975, the Dolls broke up and he reformed the band as, Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers and relocated to England. Their popularity was significantly greater in Europe than it was in the United States, signing with Zodiac Records releasing the albums, "L.A.M.F. and "Gang War". Through the 1980's, Thunders had much success as a soloist with hits to include "In Cold Blood" 7" (1983), "Hurt Me" 7" (1984), "Crawfish 7" & 12" (1985) and "Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be)" 7" & 12" (1988). Thunders struggled with drug addiction and died under mysterious circumstances.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
NICOLETTI
JOHNNY THUNDERS
GENZALE
1952 - 1991
MARY J. BRACKEN
7/26/79
ORA PRO NOBIS 9-R-78-80-82
JOHN, JR. FRANCES
1928 - 1945 1899 - 1970
Family Members
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Records on Ancestry
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