Joey Ramone

Joey Ramone
Ramone c. 1980s
Background information
Birth name	Jeffrey Ross Hyman
Also known as	Joey Ramone Jeff Starship
Born	(1951-05-19)May 19, 1951 New York City, U.S.
Died	April 15, 2001(2001-04-15) (aged 49) New York City, U.S.
Genres	Punk rock
Occupation(s)	Singer
Years active	1972–2001
Labels	Sire Radioactive Sanctuary
Formerly of	Ramones Sibling Rivalry Sniper
Website	joeyramone.com

Jeffrey Ross Hyman (May 19, 1951 – April 15, 2001), known professionally as Joey Ramone, was an American singer, songwriter, and the lead vocalist and founding member of the punk rock band Ramones. Having co-founded the Ramones with Johnny Ramone and Dee Dee Ramone in 1974, his image, voice, and tenure with the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.^[1]

Born to a Jewish family, Joey was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia at age 18. After previously playing in the glam punk band Sniper from 1972 to 1974, Joey cofounded the Ramones in 1974. Initially the band's drummer, Joey soon switched to lead vocals shortly after the group's formation. Appearing on all the band's releases, he, along with guitarist Johnny Ramone, were the only two original members who stayed in the band until its disbandment in 1996.

Following the Ramones' disbandment, he embarked on a solo career before dying of lymphoma in 2001. His debut solo album Don't Worry About Me was released the following year.