NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Negron, a founding member of the renowned soul-rock group Three Dog Night, known for lead vocals on popular tracks like “One” and “Just an Old Fashioned Love Song,” as well as the iconic line “Jeremiah was a bullfrog” from the hit “Joy to the World,” passed away on Monday at the age of 83. According to publicist Zach Farnum, he died from complications related to heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at his home in Studio City, Los Angeles.
Negron, along with fellow singers Cory Wells and Danny Hutton, came together in the mid-1960s as performers based in Los Angeles. Originally named Redwood, they adopted the name Three Dog Night, which references Australian slang for extremely cold outback weather. Between 1969 and 1974, they emerged as one of the most successful music groups globally, achieving 18 top 20 singles and 12 gold-certified albums.
While the group rarely produced original material, they showcased remarkable talent in reinterpreting songs from then-emerging artists like Randy Newman (“Mama Told Me Not to Come”), Paul Williams (“Just an Old-Fashioned Love Song”), and Laura Nyro (“Eli’s Coming”). Their unique style was characterized by a passionate, competitive energy among the trio, earning them the nickname “The Kings of Oversing” from the Village Voice.
Due to their immense popularity, Three Dog Night released four albums in just 18 months. They hosted and performed on the very first episode of Dick Clark’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in December 1972. Reflecting on their success, Negron commented in 2013, “We were in the zone… but we started feeling the pressure when we realized we were in the same towns too often.”
Memorable Hits
Negron was easily recognizable for his distinctive drooping mustache and his powerful multi-octave voice. He played a significant role in transforming the breakup ballad “One” into a haunting expression of loneliness. He also encouraged Wells and Hutton to embrace what would become their biggest hit, “Joy to the World.” Written by Hoyt Axton, the song’s catchy refrain celebrated joy in a playful, secular context, and its opening line became a cultural catchphrase.
“Joy to the World” not only became the best-selling song of 1971, earning two Grammy nominations, but it also became a staple on oldies radio and in films like “The Big Chill” and “Forrest Gump.” Despite their other hits like “Black and White,” “Celebrate,” and “Shambala,” the band’s internal strife led to their breakup in 1976. Negron eventually distanced himself from the group due to his struggles with addiction.
A Troubled Journey
Born Charles Negron II in 1942 in New York City, Negron faced hardships early in life, including living in a foster home after his parents’ separation. Although he initially aspired to be a basketball player, he discovered his passion for singing during his teenage years. After performing at various venues in New York, he moved to California and joined forces with Wells and Hutton, eventually achieving fame with Three Dog Night.
Following his time with the band, Negron released solo albums and dedicated his efforts to helping others combat substance abuse issues. Having overcome severe addiction in the 1990s, he documented his journey in his memoir, “Three Dog Nightmare,” published in 1998 and reissued two decades later. Negron is survived by his fourth wife, Ami Albea Negron, and five children, with whom he reconciled after years of estrangement from his former bandmate Hutton.
