Joey Ramone

Jeffry Ross Hyman (May 19, 1951 – April 15, 2001), better known as Joey Ramone, was the vocalist and co-songwriter for the legendary punk rock group Ramones. He and fellow band-mate Johnny Ramone were the only two members who stayed with the band until their retirement in 1996. Besides his work with the group, Joey has had a successful posthumous solo career.

Joey grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, feeling optimistic about the future but just a hairs breath above poverty. His mother, Charlotte, encouraged an interest in music in both Joey and his brother Mitchell Hyman a/k/a Mickey Leigh. Charlotte spelled Joey's birth name 'Jeffry' without the 'e' as she wanted to make him different. Joey was a fan of The Who and other such poppy rock bands (particularly "oldies" groups). Also inspired by the DIY-based loose, anarchic garage rock groups such as The Stooges, Joey took up drums at 13, playing throughout his teen years while also dabbling in vocals. Joey was originally the drummer for the Ramones, with Dee Dee Ramone handling the singing. Upon Tommy Ramone's suggestion that some particular parts of the band didn't work, he became the vocalist. Joey and his bandmates attended Forest Hills High School.