70's Rock Music Legend Dies at 83
Chuck Negron, lead vocalist and founding member of popular '70s rock group Three Dog Night, has passed away.
The singer-songwriter died peacefully at his home in California on Monday night, surrounded by his friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Ami Albea Negron, and his children, Shaunti Negron Levick, Berry Oakley, Charles Negron III, Charlotte Negron, and Annabelle Negron.
Though an exact cause of death has not been confirmed, Negron has suffered from a severe heart condition and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in recent months.
Chuck Negron & Three Dog Night's Career
Three Dog Night was founded in 1967 by Negron, Danny Hutton, and Cory Wells. Their unique brand of bold production and sharp harmonies made them a pioneering rock back of the '60s and '70s, ultimately selling 60 million records throughout their career.
Their most famous songs include "One", "Easy to be Hard", "Love to the World", and "An Old Fashioned Love Song".
Three Dog Night disbanded in 1976 after Negron was arrested in Kentucky for cocaine possession. The singer had reportedly developed a serious drug habit, ending up on LA's notorious Skid Row after spending the majority of his earnings fuelling his addiction. Negron got clean in 1991.
The singer's drug habit caused a lot of internal friction within Three Dog Night, leading to Negron and Danny Hutton cutting ties with each other for several decades. The pair finally buried the hatchet last year with a public reunion.
Chuck Negron's Legacy
After getting clean in the early '90s, Negron launched a successful solo career that saw him release popular albums Am I Still In Your Heart? and Long Road Back.
The singer also published a memoir, Three Dog Nightmare, in 1999 that details the turbulent breakup of his former band. In the book, he takes responsibility for the fracture, claiming that his drug habit made Three Dog Night an uninhabitable workspace.
His music, public recovery, and unwavering dedication to family will proudly serve as the iconic singer-songwriter's legacy.