Died On This Date (March 14, 1991) Doc Pomus / Songwriting Genius

Jerome “Doc” Pomus
June 27, 1925 – March 14, 1991

doc-pomus.jpgThere isn’t enough room here to list the world-class artists who have recorded or covered songs written by the great Doc Pomus. From Brook Benton to the New York Dolls; from Andy Williams to Elvis Costello; from Dolly Parton to the Misfits. Okay, one more, from Dusty Springfield to Johnny Thunders. Oh and did I mention “Viva Las Vegas?”  Pomus’ life was no picnic, however.  As a child, he developed polio, so he needed crutches.  And after an automobile accident later in life, those crutches were replaced by a wheelchair. Doc Pomus succumbed to lung cancer on March 14, 1991 at the age of 65.



Died On This Date (January 14, 1992) Jerry Nolan / New York Dolls

Jerry Nolan
May 7, 1946 – January 14, 1992

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Jerry Nolan is best remembered as the drummer for iconic protopunk band, the New York Dolls.  Prior to his work with the Dolls, Nolan played in early bands of Billy Squier, Suzi Quatro, and Jayne/Wayne County.  In 1972, he was hired by the Dolls to replace the recently deceased Bill Murcia.  He played on the band’s first two albums, New York Dolls and Too Much Too Soon.  In 1975, Nolan and Johnny Thunders left the group and formed the Heartbreakers with Richard Hell.  He eventually left the band to work on solo projects that never really got off the ground.  He also collaborated with others over the years.  In late 1991, while in the hospital with bacterial meningitis, Jerry Nolan suffered a stroke and fell into a coma.  He was 45 when, several weeks later, he passed away as a result.

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Died On This Date (November 6, 1972) Bill Murcia / New York Dolls

Bill Murcia
1954 – November 6, 1972

Billy Murcia, 2nd From Left
Bill Murcia, 2nd from left

Bill Murcia was the original drummer for the legendary New York Dolls.  Alongside David Johansen, Rick Rivets, Johnny Thunders and Arthur “Killer” Kane, Murcia helped lay down the foundation of what would be called punk rock.   Rivets was soon replaced by Sylvain Sylvain.  Following the completion of their debut album, the band embarked on their inaugural tour of England.  Sadly, Murcia died after ingesting a deadly mixture of drugs and alcohol.  He was later  replaced by Jerry Nolan.

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