Johnny Thunders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnny Thunders
|
|
|---|---|
Thunders performing at the VFW Post in Ann Arbor, Michigan in July 1979. He was then collaborating with Wayne Kramer of MC5, as Gang War.
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Anthony Genzale |
| Born | July 15, 1952 Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 23, 1991 (aged 38) New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1967–1991 |
| Associated acts |
|
John Anthony Genzale (born July 15, 1952 – died April 23, 1991), known as Johnny Thunders, was an American musician. He was a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Johnny became famous in the early 1970s as a member of the band New York Dolls. Later, he played with the Heartbreakers and also released music as a solo artist.
Contents
Early Life and Music Journey
Johnny Thunders was born John Anthony Genzale in Queens, New York. He was the second child in his family. His parents, Josephine and Emil Genzale, were both from Italy. Johnny had an older sister named Mariann. He grew up in areas like East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights in Queens.
His first time performing music was in the winter of 1967 with a band called The Reign. Soon after, he played with Johnny and the Jaywalkers. He used the stage name Johnny Volume back then. They performed at a school for young professionals in New York City.
In 1968, Johnny started visiting famous places like the Fillmore East and Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. His sister, Mariann, even helped him style his hair like the famous guitarist Keith Richards. In late 1969, he worked at a leather shop and began trying to put a new band together.
Starting with the New York Dolls
Johnny Thunders became a key member of the band New York Dolls. The band's bass player, Arthur "Killer" Kane, once described Johnny's guitar playing. He said it was "raunchy, nasty, rough, raw, and untamed." Arthur felt Johnny's sound was "rich and fat and beautiful, like a voice."
The New York Dolls signed with Mercury Records. They released two albums: New York Dolls and Too Much Too Soon. They were managed by Marty Thau. Later, they worked with Malcolm McLaren, who also helped create the famous band Sex Pistols.
In 1975, Johnny Thunders and drummer Jerry Nolan left the New York Dolls. Johnny believed Malcolm McLaren was responsible for the band breaking up. The other members continued playing as the New York Dolls for a few more years.
Forming The Heartbreakers
After leaving the New York Dolls, Johnny Thunders formed a new band called The Heartbreakers. He teamed up with Jerry Nolan, the former New York Dolls drummer. Richard Hell, who used to play bass for the band Television, also joined.
Soon, Walter Lure, another guitarist, joined the group. Richard Hell later left the band to form his own group. Billy Rath then became the new bass player. With Johnny leading the way, The Heartbreakers toured America.
They also traveled to the UK to join a big tour called the Anarchy Tour. On this tour, they played alongside famous punk bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash. The Heartbreakers stayed in the UK throughout 1977. They were much more popular there than in the U.S.
While in the UK, they signed with Track Records. They released their only official studio album, L.A.M.F.. Critics liked the album, but some felt the sound quality was not very good. Because of problems with the album's production, drummer Jerry Nolan left the band. The Heartbreakers then broke up shortly after.
Solo Music and Other Bands
Johnny Thunders stayed in London and started recording solo albums. His first solo album was So Alone in 1978. Many talented musicians played on this album. These included Phil Lynott, Paul Cook, and Steve Jones. Other guest artists like Chrissie Hynde also appeared.
Soon after, Johnny moved back to the U.S. He sometimes played with former Heartbreakers members at a club called Max's Kansas City. He also played a few shows in London with Paul Cook and Steve Jones.
In late 1979, Johnny Thunders moved to Detroit with his wife, Julie. He started a band called Gang War. This band included Wayne Kramer from the band MC5. They recorded several demo songs and played live. An album of their live performances was released in 1990.
During the early 1980s, Johnny Thunders brought The Heartbreakers back together for different tours. They recorded their last album, Live at the Lyceum, in 1984. This concert was also filmed and released as a video.
In the 1980s, Johnny lived in Paris and Stockholm with his wife and daughter. In 1985, he released Que Sera Sera. This album had new songs with his band, The Black Cats. He also released "Crawfish," a song he sang with Patti Palladin. Three years later, he and Patti Palladin released Copy Cats, an album of cover songs.
Later Years and Legacy
From 1988 until his passing in 1991, Johnny Thunders performed with a band called The Oddballs. They had Jamie Heath on saxophone and Alison Gordy on vocals. In 1990, Johnny went on an acoustic tour in the UK and Ireland. He sometimes joined The Golden Horde band for full electric shows.
His very last recording was a song called "Born To Lose." He recorded it with the German punk rock band Die Toten Hosen. This recording happened just before he passed away.
Johnny Thunders passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 23, 1991. He was survived by his wife, Julie Jourden, and his four children: John, Vito, Dino, and Jamie.
Music Albums
Johnny Thunders released several albums during his career.
Studio Albums
- So Alone (1978)
- In Cold Blood (1983)
- Diary of a Lover (1983)
- Hurt Me (1983)
- Que Sera Sera (1985)
- Copy Cats (1988) (with Patti Palladin)
Live Albums and Compilations
- The New Too Much ... Business (1983)
- Stations of the Cross (1987)
- Live in Japan (1991)
- Have Faith (1992)
- Born Too Loose: The Best of Johnny Thunders (1999)
Singles and EPs
- "Dead or Alive" (1978)
- "You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory" (1978)
- "In Cold Blood" (1983)
- "Crawfish" (with Patti Palladin; 1985)
Movies and Films
Johnny Thunders appeared in several films and documentaries about his life and music.
- Story of a ... directed by Lech Kowalski (1987)
- Mona et moi (1989), directed by Patrick Grandperret
- What About Me, directed by Rachel Amodeo (1993)
- Born To Lose – The Last Rock'n'Roll Movie (1999), directed by Lech Kowalski
- Looking For Johnny: The Legend of Johnny Thunders (2014), directed by Danny Garcia
- Room 37 (2019), directed by Vicente and Fernando Cordero
See also
In Spanish: Johnny Thunders para niños
