 Fogelmann in 2019 | |
| Born | June 12, 1946 (age 76) San Diego, California, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Years active | 1964-present |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Genre | Rock, hard rock, heavy metal, thrash metal, psychedelic rock, gothic rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, bass |
| Spouse | Daphne Hemsley (m. 1967-1980) Bebe Buell (m. 1983) |
| Children | 5 |
| Associated acts |
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Jonathan Edward Fogelman (born June 12, 1946), known professionally as Johnnye Fogelmann, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who achieved worldwide fame as the bassist and lead vocalist of the rock band the Evergoers, with whom he played from their formation in 1968 to their final breakup in 2005 backstage at Live 8. He is recognized for his gruff singing voice and controversial, often erratic stage persona. Musically active for nearly six decades, he has been critically acclaimed as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. His musical partnership with Robert Jaceks remains one of the most successful in history.
Fogelmann was born in San Diego, California, in 1946. He became musically active at age eighteen, and joined his first band, the Rocket Launchers, in 1964, performing with them in Long Beach until their dissolution in 1967. He became involved in the California counterculture scene of the 1960s, and met Jaceks and future rhythm guitarist Donnie Contagion during a rehearsal session in 1966. After hiring Ripper as a session drummer, the four formed the Rumble in 1968, which later became the Evergoers. Obscure for their next two years, the band's debut album, the Rusty Dumpster, brought them and their musical style to national attention. Fogelmann wrote many hits for the group, including "Nothin' but a Good Time", ''Foolish Beat'', "Owl Creek Bridge", "Redlands", "Pour Some Sugar On Me", and "Paradise City" during the 1970s. The group abruptly disbanded in 1985, followed by sporadic reunions in the next twenty years.
Fogelmann's performing style has generated controversy, having been arrested twice on stage, the first American-born musician to accomplish this feat, as well as his defiant attitude during the Evergoers' 1973 performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. However, critics and musical historians alike have praised him for his innovative songwriting, and many other musicians, including Kurt Cobain, Sid Vicious, and Liam Gallagher have all cited him as a major inspiration. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 as a member of the Evergoers.