AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Johnny Thunders

Artist:Johnny Thunders
Song:You Can't Put Your Arms Round A Memory
Album:Born Too Loose: The Best Of Johnny Thunders



Johnny Thunders was a punk music pioneer as a member of the New York Dolls. He could have been very successful as a solo artist and he was respected in the music community. But his heroin addiction got the best of him and he died prematurely. He was born John Anthony Genzale Jr. July 15, 1952 in Queens, NY. He called himself Johnny Volume when he formed his first band Johnny and the Jaywalkers in 1967. Hanging around New York clubs led to the formation of the New York Dolls with Arthur Kane, David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain and Billy Murcia. Genzale named himself after the DC Comics character Johnny Thunders. The Dolls only recorded two albums. But they were still very influential. Thunders left in 1975 to form The Heartbreakers with former Television bassist Richard Hell. But they didn't get along and Hell left to form The Voidoids. The Heartbreakers recorded one album in England. But there were problems with it including poor mastering and they split up. While in London, Thunders recorded the 1978 solo album So Alone which featured You Can't Put Your Arms Round A Memory. The band on the album included bassist Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, drummer Paul Cook and guitarist Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols. Guests included Chrissie Hynde and Steve Marriott. The album was very well received. Thunders and his wife moved to Detroit in 1979. Attempts to record and form bands through the 80s didn't amount to much. This 2CD comp from the British label Jungle is a good overview of his career. His health deteriorated as his heroin addiction got worse and he died in New Orleans Apr. 23, 1991 at age 38. It was ruled an accidental drug overdose but his friends believe he was murdered. It's a sad end to what seems like wasted potential. Here's Johnny Thunders performing You Can't Put Your Arms Round A Memory on a European TV show 1978. This video is not on Youtube.
Johnny Thunders: You Can't Put Your Arms Around... by mrjyn