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New York Dolls

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New York Dolls

The New York Dolls were an American rock band formed in New York City in 1971, who released two albums, New York Dolls (1973) and Too Much Too Soon (1974), before disbanding in 1976. Its classic lineup consisted of vocalist David Johansen, guitarist Johnny Thunders, bassist Arthur Kane, guitarist and pianist Sylvain Sylvain, and drummer Jerry Nolan; the latter two had replaced Rick Rivets and Billy Murcia, respectively, in 1972. In their appearance, they drew from drag fashion, wearing high heels, hats, satin, makeup, spandex, and dresses. In 2004, the New York Dolls reunited with a new lineup and later released three more albums. After a British tour with Alice Cooper in 2011, the Dolls disbanded again. By 2025, all original members of the New York Dolls had died: drummer Billy Murcia (1951–1972), guitarist Johnny Thunders (1952–1991), drummer Jerry Nolan (1946–1992), bassist Arthur Kane (1949–2004), guitarist Sylvain Sylvain (1951–2021), and lead singer David Johansen (1950–2025). Their music and stage presence played a key role in the development of punk rock and later glam punk, with their look inspiring the androgynous appearances of several glam metal bands in the 1980s. They influenced notable artists such as Morrissey, the Sex Pistols, KISS, the Jesus and Mary Chain, the Undertones, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, David Bowie, Japan, Billy Idol, Terry Chambers, Def Leppard, R.E.M., the Replacements, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Marilyn Manson, the Cramps, the Libertines, and Manic Street Preachers.

Infobox

Also known as
Actress (1971) The Dolls
Origin
New York City, U.S.
Genres
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Years active
1971–19762004–2011
Labels
MercuryRoadrunnerAtcoCleopatra429
Past members
David JohansenSylvain SylvainJohnny ThundersArthur KaneBilly MurciaRick RivetsJerry NolanPeter JordanBlackie LawlessChris RobisonTony MachineBobby BlaineSteve ConteGary PowellSami YaffaBrian KooninFrank InfanteJason HillJason SutterAaron Lee TasjanJohn ConteKenny AaronsonEarl Slick Brian DelaneyClaton Pitcher

Tables

· Discography › Studio albums
US
US
Title
US
Details
USInd.
Peak chart positions
CAN
Peak chart positions
FIN
Peak chart positions
FRA
Peak chart positions
SCO
Peak chart positions
UK
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Title
New York Dolls
Details
Released: July 27, 1973 Label: Mercury Format: LP, cassette
Peak chart positions
116
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
81
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
91
Peak chart positions
Too Much Too Soon
Too Much Too Soon
Title
Too Much Too Soon
Details
Released: May 10, 1974 Label: Mercury Format: LP, cassette
Peak chart positions
167
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
165
One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This
One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This
Title
One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This
Details
Released: July 25, 2006 Label: Roadrunner Format: LP, CD, streaming
Peak chart positions
129
Peak chart positions
8
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
23
Peak chart positions
124
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
130
Cause I Sez So
Cause I Sez So
Title
Cause I Sez So
Details
Released: May 5, 2009 Label: Atco Format: LP, CD, streaming
Peak chart positions
159
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
188
Dancing Backward in High Heels
Dancing Backward in High Heels
Title
Dancing Backward in High Heels
Details
Released: March 15, 2011 Label: 429 Format: LP, CD, streaming
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
37
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Peak chart positions
Title
Details
Peak chart positions
US
USInd.
CAN
FIN
FRA
SCO
UK
New York Dolls
Released: July 27, 1973 Label: Mercury Format: LP, cassette
116
81
91
Too Much Too Soon
Released: May 10, 1974 Label: Mercury Format: LP, cassette
167
165
One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This
Released: July 25, 2006 Label: Roadrunner Format: LP, CD, streaming
129
8
23
124
130
Cause I Sez So
Released: May 5, 2009 Label: Atco Format: LP, CD, streaming
159
188
Dancing Backward in High Heels
Released: March 15, 2011 Label: 429 Format: LP, CD, streaming
37

References

  1. Too Much Too Soon did not chart in the UK on initial release.
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    http://www.allmusic.com/artist/new-york-dolls-mn0000866786/biography
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  33. The Berg Companion to Fashion
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  84. zobbel.de
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