Chuck Negron, Iconic Singer of Three Dog Night, Passes Away at 83

From a modest Bronx childhood to global rock stardom, Chuck Negron lived a life marked by extraordinary talent, personal struggle, and hard-earned redemption. That journey came to an end on Feb. 2, when Negron died at age 83 at his home in Studio City, California, surrounded by family. His publicist confirmed he had been battling heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Born in 1942, Negron was raised in the Bronx by a musically inclined family and found his voice early, singing in doo-wop groups and performing at the Apollo Theater as a teenager.

After moving to California on a basketball scholarship, music quickly became his focus. In Los Angeles, he joined Danny Hutton and Cory Wells to form Three Dog Night in 1967. Negron’s powerful, gritty vocals became the heart of the band, driving hits such as “Joy to the World,” “One,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” and “The Show Must Go On.” At their peak, Three Dog Night dominated radio, but fame brought pressure.

Drug use and internal conflict eventually led to the band’s breakup. Negron’s offstage battles were intense. After years of addiction, he achieved sobriety in 1991, a turning point that reshaped his life. He went on to release seven solo albums, tour for decades, and share his story in his memoir Three Dog Nightmare.

Even as COPD affected his health, he continued performing until the pandemic.Late in life, Negron reconciled with former bandmate Danny Hutton, and family remained central to him. He is survived by his wife, Ami, and five children. His voice—raw, soulful, and honest—remains a lasting part of rock history.