Three Dog Night co-founder Chuck Negron dies at 83; bandmate recalls they ‘rarely spoke’ for 40 years

Chuck Negron, one of the founding members of the rock band Three Dog Night and the lead singer on several of its biggest hits, died on Monday at the age of 83. Citing a statement from his publicist, Variety reported that Negron died peacefully at his home in Studio City, California, surrounded by family. The report said Negron had been struggling with heart failure in his final months, in addition to chronic COPD, which he had lived with for more than three decades. However, Chuck Negron’s exact cause of death is not known.

Following Negron’s death, Three Dog Night co-founder Danny Hutton paid tribute to his former bandmate, reflecting on their complicated history and a recent reunion.

“I received the news today that my former bandmate from Three Dog Night, Chuck Negron, passed away peacefully at his home,” Hutton said in a statement. Hutton acknowledged that the two had lost touch for decades after Negron left the band. “When Chuck left the band 40 years ago, we rarely spoke and lost touch for much of that time,” he said, adding that their reunion came only months before Negron’s death.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Three Dog Night (@threedognightofficial)

Also Read: Chuck Negron, founding member of ‘Three Dog Night’ who was once engaged in drugs, dies at 83, cause of death revealed; details inside

Formed in 1967, Three Dog Night brought together Negron with Danny Hutton and Cory Wells as a vocal trio rooted in R&B, rock ’n’ roll, and urban doo-wop. The group broke through commercially in 1969 with its first million-selling single, One, written by Harry Nilsson.

Negron’s powerful lead vocals helped define Three Dog Night’s sound, driving a string of major hits including Joy to the World, One, and An Old Fashioned Love Song. The band was among the most successful American rock acts of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Chuck Negron’ family

Negron is survived by his wife, Ami Albea Negron; his children, Shaunti Negron Levick, Berry Oakley (killed in a motorcycle accident), Charles Negron III, Charlotte Negron, and Annabelle Negron; his brother, Rene (Jody) Negron; and his sister, Denise (Janey) Negron. As per the deadline, he is also survived by nine grandchildren, five nieces, and two nephews, as well as his children’s mothers: Paula Servetti, Julia Negron, Robin Silna, and Kate Vernon.