Chuck Negron, co-founder of the iconic rock band Three Dog Night, has passed away at the age of 83. His family was by his side when he died at his home in Studio City, California, on Monday. According to his representative, Negron had been struggling with heart failure in recent months and had lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for approximately thirty years.
Negron co-founded Three Dog Night in 1967, alongside fellow singers Cory Wells and Danny Hutton. Initially known as Redwood, the band changed its name and quickly gained fame for its chart-topping hits, including “Joy to the World,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” and “Black and White.” Over the years, the group achieved an impressive record of eleven top ten hits on the Billboard 100 chart and twenty-one top forty hits, solidifying their place in rock music history.
Despite his success, Negron’s personal life was marked by challenges. After leaving the band in 1985, he faced significant struggles with drug abuse. Negron revealed that he could spend upwards of $2,000 a day on drugs, which led to a turbulent period in his life, including a time spent living on Skid Row. He sought treatment, entering a rehabilitation facility in 1991.
Negron’s health problems ultimately affected his ability to perform. In a 2018 interview with Rock Cellar Magazine, he expressed that his COPD condition had reached a point that it could have endangered his life during performances. “I could have literally died on stage,” he stated. To manage his health, he often wore specialized glasses that provided him with oxygen, which he noted greatly impacted his career.
Throughout his later years, Negron released several solo records between 1995 and 2007, but his health challenges continued to limit his performances. His resilience and talent, however, left a lasting legacy in the music world, earning him a place among the unforgettable voices of his generation.
As fans and fellow musicians mourn his passing, Chuck Negron’s contributions to music will be remembered for years to come.
