Fans Tuesday are mourning the death of Chuck Negron, a founding member of the rock band Three Dog Night, whose lead vocals appear “Joy To The World (Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog),” “One (Is The Loneliest Number),” “Easy To Be Hard,” “Old Fashioned Love Song,” and “The Show Must Go On.”
Negron died Monday at his home in Studio City, his publicist Zach Farnum said. He was 83.
Negron developed a drug addiction that contributed to the band’s breakup in 1977. He spent his fortune on drugs and ended on Skid Row. After many rehabilitation attempts, he finally got clean in 1991 and went on to have a successful solo career, releasing seven albums between 1995 and 2017.
Negron also released a book, “Three Dog Nightmare” in 1999, chronicling the ups and downs of his life, claiming responsibility for his downfalls.
In his later years, Negron continued to tour heavily, despite chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for three decades. The COVID-19 pandemic ended his touring career, because being on the road became impossible with his condition.
Charles Negron II was born June 8, 1942. His father Charles Negron was a Puerto Rican nightclub performer, and his mother was Elizabeth Rooke. The couple divorced when Negron he was 2 years old. He grew up in the New York City borough The Bronx, playing basketball and singing in doo wop groups from an early age.
He came to Southern California to play basketball for Allan Hancock College, a community college based in Santa Maria. Negron later played for Cal State Los Angeles.
Negron’s cause of death was not disclosed. Farnum said he had heart failure in his final months.
Negron is survived by his wife, Ami Albea Negron, his children Shaunti Negron Levick, Berry Oakley, Charles Negron III, Charlotte Negron, and Annabelle Negron, his brother Rene (Jody) Negron, sister Denise (Janey) Negron, his nine grandchildren, five nieces and two nephews, as well as his children’s mothers, Paula Servetti, Julia Negron, Robin Silna, and Kate Vernon.