Joe Negroni was an American singer of Puerto Rican descent who was a founding member of the rock and roll group Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers. He had a baritone voice and sang backup vocals for the group’s hit songs, such as “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” and “I Want You to Be My Girl”. He was also known for his charismatic personality and sense of humor. But how did Joe Negroni die, and what were the circumstances surrounding his death? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Joe Negroni, one of the pioneers of rock and roll music.
Early Life and Career
Joe Negroni was born on September 9, 1940, in New York City. His family moved from Puerto Rico to New York in the 1930s during the Great Depression era. He grew up in Manhattan, where he met and befriended Herman Santiago, Jimmy Merchant, and Sherman Garnes. The four boys shared a love for music and formed a vocal group called the Ermines, later changing their name to the Coupe de Villes and then to the Premiers.
In 1954, they met Frankie Lymon, a 12-year-old boy with a high tenor voice who worked in a grocery store. Lymon impressed them with his singing talent and joined the group as the lead singer. The next year, they were discovered by Richard Barrett, a scout for Gee Records, who introduced them to George Goldner, the owner of Gee. Goldner signed them to a contract and changed their name to the Teenagers.
The Teenagers recorded their first song, “Why Do Fools Fall in Love”, which was written by Santiago and given to Negroni when Santiago was ill. The song became an instant hit in the United States and the United Kingdom, making the Teenagers the first American vocal group to have a top British hit. The song also launched the career of Frankie Lymon as a solo star, who soon overshadowed his fellow group members.
The Teenagers had three other hits that reached the top 10 in the R&B charts: “I Want You to Be My Girl”, “Who Can Explain?”, and “The ABC’s of Love”. They also appeared in two movies: Rock, Rock, Rock (1956) and Mister Rock and Roll (1957). They toured extensively in the US and abroad, performing at venues such as the London Palladium and the Apollo Theater. They were popular among young fans, especially girls, who adored their youthful charm and energetic style.
Personal Life and Struggles
Joe Negroni married his high school sweetheart, Jeanette Rodriguez, in 1958. They had two children: Joseph Jr. and Lisa. Negroni was devoted to his family and tried to balance his personal life with his professional obligations. However, he also faced many challenges and difficulties in his career and health.
The Teenagers began to lose their popularity as rock and roll music evolved and new styles emerged. They also had conflicts with their record label over royalties and creative control. Frankie Lymon left the group in 1957 to pursue a solo career, but he struggled with drug addiction and legal issues. The remaining members of the Teenagers tried to continue as a quartet, but they failed to recapture their former success.
Negroni also suffered from diabetes, which affected his vision and kidneys. He had to undergo dialysis treatments regularly and take medication to control his blood sugar levels. He also gained weight due to his condition and medication. Despite his health problems, he remained optimistic and cheerful, often cracking jokes and making people laugh.
Death and Legacy
In 1977, Sherman Garnes died from a heart attack at the age of 36. His death shocked and saddened Negroni and his former bandmates. A year later, on September 5, 1978, Joe Negroni died from a cerebral hemorrhage in a New York apartment or home, just four days before his 38th birthday. His death was also unexpected and tragic, leaving behind his wife, children, friends, and fans.
Joe Negroni was buried at St. Raymond’s Cemetery in Bronx, New York. His grave is marked with a simple headstone that reads: “Joe Negroni – A Teenager Forever”. His legacy lives on through his music and influence on rock and roll history. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 as a member of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers. He is also remembered for his warm personality, generous spirit, and humorous attitude.
Joe Negroni cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage that took away one of the pioneers of rock and roll music at a young age. He left behind a remarkable career that spanned over two decades and inspired generations of musicians and fans. He also left behind a loving family that cherished him and his memory. Joe Negroni was a rock and roll legend who will never be forgotten.
