Chuck Negron, Lead Singer of Three Dog Night, Dies at 83

Chuck Negron, the distinctive lead vocalist whose voice powered multiple hits for the rock band Three Dog Night, has died at the age of 83, according to statements from representatives and multiple media reports. Negron, best known for singing lead on “Joy to the World,” died in February 2026. Further details about the cause of death were not immediately disclosed.

Negron rose to prominence in the late 1960s as one of the founding voices of Three Dog Night, a Los Angeles–based group that blended rock, pop, and soul and became a dominant force on American radio. The band achieved a rare run of commercial success, placing numerous singles in the Billboard Top 10 during the early 1970s.

His gravel-edged yet melodic delivery defined several of the group’s biggest recordings, including “Joy to the World,” “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” and “One.” “Joy to the World” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971 and became one of the most-played songs of the decade, cementing Negron’s place in pop music history.

Beyond his chart success, Negron’s career included periods of personal struggle and recovery that he later addressed publicly. In interviews and memoirs, he spoke candidly about addiction, rehabilitation, and his return to performing, becoming an advocate for recovery programs within the music community.

After leaving Three Dog Night, Negron continued to tour and record as a solo artist, often performing the band’s classic catalog for longtime fans. He also collaborated with other musicians and remained active on the touring circuit well into his later years.

Tributes from fellow artists and fans began to circulate following news of his death, highlighting the enduring popularity of his recordings and the influence of his vocal style on subsequent generations of rock and pop singers.

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