Share and Follow
Chuck Negron, whose distinctive voice helped propel Three Dog Night to fame with memorable tracks such as “Joy to the World” and “An Old Fashioned Love Song,” has passed away at the age of 83. Negron was a key figure in the band’s success during the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period when they were among the most popular rock groups.
The charismatic singer died on Monday at his residence in Los Angeles’ Studio City neighborhood, following complications from heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a statement from his publicist, Zach Farnum.
Negron’s powerful lead vocals were also featured on hits like “Easy To Be Hard” and “The Show Must Go On.” Three Dog Night’s impressive catalog of songs includes other chart-toppers such as “Black and White,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Never Been to Spain,” and “Shambala.”
In a notable moment from their career, Three Dog Night headlined and performed at the first-ever edition of Dick Clark’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in December 1972, cementing their place in rock history.
In December 1972, the band hosted and performed on the inaugural edition of Dick Clark’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
By 1975, album sales had declined and the band had its last Billboard Hot 100 hit with “Til the World Ends.” Internal strife fractured the group, and it fell apart the next year.
In 1981, the group reunited, but Negron was dismissed in late 1985 because of recurring drug issues.
In 1967, Negron joined Danny Hutton and Cory Wells to form Three Dog Night, a vocal trio with roots in R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and urban doo wop. They found success two years later with their first million-selling single “One,” written by Harry Nilsson.
Negron engaged in heavy drug use during the band’s quick ascension to the top of the charts. He spent his fortune on drugs, and even ended up on Los Angeles’ Skid Row for a time.
After numerous stints in rehab, he became sober in 1991 and went on to have a successful solo career, releasing seven albums between 1995 and 2017. His 1999 book, “Three Dog Nightmare,” detailed his ups and downs.
After decades of estrangement between him and Hutton, the two men reconciled last year. Hutton and Michael Allsup are the lone surviving members.
Born Charles Negron II on June 8, 1942, he grew up in the Bronx singing in doo wop groups from an early age. His parents divorced when he was 2. He was recruited by California State University to play basketball, which brought him to Los Angeles, where he began working in the music industry.
In his later years, Negron toured through chronic COPD for three decades. The COVID-19 pandemic sidelined him permanently.
Negron is survived by wife Ami Albea Negron and five children, including Berry Oakley Jr., the son of Allman Brothers Band bassist Berry Oakley, who was killed in a 1972 motorcycle accident. Negron was for a time married to Julia Negron, the younger Oakley’s mother, and helped raise infant Berry Jr.
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.