LOS ANGELES (AP) – Chuck Negron, a founding member of the iconic rock band Three Dog Night, passed away on Monday at the age of 83. Negron succumbed to complications from heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at his home in Studio City, Los Angeles, as confirmed by his publicist, Zach Farnum.
During his career with Three Dog Night, Negron was the leading voice behind several chart-topping hits, including “Joy to the World,” “One,” and “An Old Fashioned Love Song.” The band, which gained prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, also produced beloved tracks like “Easy To Be Hard,” “The Show Must Go On,” “Black and White,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Never Been to Spain,” and “Shambala.” The group reached a milestone in December 1972 by hosting and performing on the inaugural edition of Dick Clark’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
However, by 1975, the band's popularity was declining, culminating in their final Billboard Hot 100 hit with “Til the World Ends.” Internal conflicts led to the group’s disbandment the following year. In an attempt to revive their success, Three Dog Night reunited in 1981, but Negron was dismissed in late 1985 due to ongoing struggles with drug addiction.
Negron was born Charles Negron II on June 8, 1942, in the Bronx. He found his musical roots in doo-wop groups during his youth. Following his parents' divorce when he was just two years old, his athletic talents led him to California State University, where he was recruited to play basketball. This opportunity eventually brought him to Los Angeles, where he began his career in the music industry.
Three Dog Night was formed in 1967 when Negron teamed up with Danny Hutton and Cory Wells. Their breakthrough came with the million-selling single “One,” written by Harry Nilsson, just two years later. However, Negron’s rise to fame was marred by heavy drug use, which significantly impacted his personal and professional life. He faced severe financial difficulties due to his addiction, even spending time on Skid Row in Los Angeles.
After undergoing multiple rehabilitation efforts, Negron achieved sobriety in 1991 and successfully transitioned to a solo career, releasing seven albums between 1995 and 2017. He also authored a memoir titled “Three Dog Nightmare” in 1999, which detailed his tumultuous journey in the music industry and personal life.
In recent years, Negron faced health challenges, including chronic COPD, which impacted his ability to tour for nearly three decades. The COVID-19 pandemic further sidelined him, preventing him from returning to the stage.
Negron is survived by his wife, Ami Albea Negron, and five children, including Berry Oakley Jr., who is the son of Allman Brothers Band bassist Berry Oakley, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in 1972. Negron was previously married to Julia Negron, Berry Jr.'s mother, and played a significant role in raising him during his infancy. In a poignant turn of events, Negron reconciled with his bandmate Hutton last year, representing a powerful healing moment after decades of estrangement. Hutton and Michael Allsup remain as the surviving members of the group.
Chuck Negron leaves behind a rich legacy in the music world, having contributed significantly to the sound and success of Three Dog Night and the broader rock genre.
