David Johansen, the pioneering vocalist known for his work with New York Dolls and his persona Buster Poindexter, has died. He was 75 years old.

According to a statement from his publicist, Johansen “died at home in New York City on Friday afternoon holding hands with his wife Mara Hennessey and daughter Leah, surrounded by music, flowers, and love. He was 75-years-old and died of natural causes after nearly a decade of illness.”

Johansen had been battling stage four cancer and a brain tumor, and had kept the situation private for a number of years. After a fall that broke his back in two places last November, though, things had taken a turn for the worst, leading him to reveal his diagnosis and ask for financial help in January 2025.

Born David Roger Johansen on January 9th, 1950 in New York City, Johansen first rose to prominence performing with local groups on Staten Island.