Jeffrey hyman biography images

Jeffrey Ross Hyman, known professionally as Joey Ramone, was an American musician and singer-songwriter who served as lead vocalist of the seminal punk rock band the Ramones. Joey Ramone's image, voice, and tenure as frontman of the Ramones made him a countercultural icon. Though happy, Hyman was diagnosed at 18 with obsessive—compulsive disorder and was somewhat an outcast in school.

Jeffrey's mother, Charlotte Lesher, divorced his father and married a second time, but was widowed when her second husband was killed in a car accident. Hyman was a fan of the Beatles, the Who, David Bowie, and the Stooges among other bands, particularly oldies and the Phil Spector-produced girl groups. His idol was Pete Townshend of the Who, with whom he shared a birthday.

Hyman took up the drums at 13, and played them throughout his teen years before picking up an acoustic guitar at age Ramone's voice was within a tenor range.

Jeffrey hyman biography images: Jeff Hyman launched his

His signature cracks, hiccups, snarls, crooning and youthful voice made his one of punk rock's most recognizable voices. As his vocals matured and deepened through his career, so did the Ramones' songwriting, leaving a notable difference from his initial melodic and callow style. Jeffrey initially served as the group's drummer while Dee Dee Ramone was the original vocalist.

However, when Dee Dee's vocal cords proved unable to sustain the demands of consistent live performances, Ramones manager Thomas Erdelyi suggested Hyman switch to vocals.