Chuck Negron

Biography

Vocalist Chuck Negron grew up in the Bronx in the 1950s, pursuing his talents in basketball -- for which he was recruited by colleges nationwide -- and singing, which he explored with his doo wop group the Rondells. After playing basketball for Santa Maria, CA's Hancock College and California State University in Los Angeles, Negron was ready to pursue his musical career. He remained in Los Angeles, eventually connecting with fellow singers Cory Wells and Danny Hutton and forming Three Dog Night in 1968. They met with massive success, scoring 18 consecutive Top 20 singles, including number ones like "Mama Told Me Not to Come," "Joy to the World," and "Black and White." With success came the trappings of the rock & roll lifestyle, which for Negron focused on drugs: by the time Three Dog Night split in 1977, he had a 2,000-dollar-a-day habit.

Remaining in the grip of addiction for almost two decades, Negron wasted away to 126 pounds and attempted 36 rehab programs unsuccessfully. His stay at the Cri-Help center, however, found him truly rehabilitated and ready to perform again -- with an extra octave added to his vocal range. Negron restarted his career by opening for Howie Mandel's 1994 Atlantic City show, and the following year he released his debut album, Am I Still in Your Heart. Negron now divides his time between raising his family, performing, lecturing, and working with anti-drug organizations like Musicians Assistance Program (MAP), MusiCares, and Cri-Help. 1999 saw the release of his biography, Three Dog Nightmare, and his second album, Long Road Back, the book's musical counterpart. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide