Who Is Johnny Thunders? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 15, 1952, Johnny Thunders became an iconic figure in the rock music scene, known for his abrasive guitar playing and charismatic stage presence. Thunders first gained fame as a member of the New York Dolls, a band that played a critical role in the formation of punk rock. His musical career continued through various projects, including the Heartbreakers, solidifying his status as a revolutionary guitarist and singer until his untimely passing in 1991. Despite his death at the age of 38, Johnny Thunders remains an influential figure in music history.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1952 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 23 April, 1991 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Johnny Thunders's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Body Stats: Thunders was known for his lean frame and edgy style, which became a trademark of his persona in the punk rock scene.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Johnny Thunders’ relationships have often been a topic of intrigue among fans. While much of his personal life was shrouded in the haze of rock and roll, he was romantically linked to various personalities during his lifetime. Notably, he had an on-again, off-again relationship with fellow musicians and artists, but there are limited public records about his significant others. As of 2025, with Johnny having passed away decades ago, the focus remains on his musical legacy and the impact he had on his partners and friendships within the rock community.
In 1968, he began going to the Fillmore East and Bethesda Fountain in Central Park on weekends. His older sister, Mariann, started styling his hair like Keith Richards. In late 1969, he got a job as a sales clerk at D'Naz leather shop, on Bleecker Street in the West Village, and started trying to put a band together.
He and his girlfriend, Janis Cafasso, went to see The Rolling Stones at Madison Square Garden in November 1969, and they appear in the Maysles brothers' film Gimme Shelter.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Johnny Thunders' estimated net worth was around $500,000. However, this figure continues to grow due to the ongoing sales of his music, merchandise, and posthumous releases. His influence in the music world ensures that his earnings reflect his enduring legacy, even decades after his death.
Thunders stayed in London and recorded the first of a number of solo albums, beginning with So Alone in 1978. The drug-fuelled recording sessions featured a core band of Thunders, bassist Phil Lynott, drummer Paul Cook and guitarist Steve Jones, with guest appearances from Chrissie Hynde, Steve Marriott, Walter Lure, Billy Rath and Peter Perrett.
The CD version of the album contains four bonus tracks, including the single "Dead or Alive" and a cover of the early Marc Bolan song "The Wizard".
Career, Business and Investments
Johnny Thunders’ career began in earnest with the formation of the New York Dolls in 1971, which sparked the punk rock movement. Following his departure from the band, he formed the Heartbreakers, further establishing his reputation as a leading figure in the genre. Throughout his career, Thunders released several solo albums, including "So Alone", which showcased his distinctive blend of punk and glam rock.
Though he struggled with addiction, Thunders' passion for music never faltered. His influence can be seen in countless artists across various genres, ensuring that his work continues to inspire new generations. Posthumous releases and tribute albums also contribute to his legacy and ongoing relevance in the rock music industry.
"I don't know how the word got out that I lived next door, but all of a sudden the phone started ringing and ringing. Rolling Stone was calling, the Village Voice called, his family called, and then his guitar player called. I felt bad for all of them.
It was a tragic end, and I mean, he went out in a blaze of glory, ha ha ha, so I thought I might as well make it look real good, you know, out of respect, so I just told everybody that when Johnny died he was laying down on the floor with his guitar in his hands. I made that up. When he came out of the St.
Peter Guest House, rigor mortis had set in to such an extent that his body was in a U shape. When you're laying on the floor in a fetal position, doubled over – well, when the body bag came out, it was in a U. It was pretty awful."
Social Network
Although Johnny Thunders did not have a social media presence during his lifetime, today's fans celebrate his legacy through various platforms. Many accounts dedicated to his music and impact can be found, with tributes and updates about his influence in the rock community. Fans share stories, photos, and music that keep his spirit alive, sustaining a dedicated online community.
Dolls bass guitarist Arthur "Killer" Kane later wrote about Thunders's guitar sound, as he described arriving outside the rehearsal studio where they were meeting to jam together for the first time: "I heard someone playing a guitar riff that I myself didn't know how to play. It was raunchy, nasty, rough, raw, and untamed.
I thought it was truly inspired ...", adding, "His sound was rich and fat and beautiful, like a voice."
Education
Details regarding Johnny Thunders' formal education are sparse, as his focus on music and the rock scene took precedence over traditional schooling. His early exposure to music and his natural talent played a more significant role in shaping his career than formal educational experiences. Thunders’ musical training was largely informal, derived from his immersion in the vibrant New York music scene of the 1970s.
His first musical performance was in the winter of 1967 with The Reign. Shortly thereafter, he played with Johnny and the Jaywalkers, under the name Johnny Volume, at Quintano's School for Young Professionals, around the corner from Carnegie Hall, on 56th Street near 7th Avenue.
