Dee Dee Ramone, born Douglas Glenn Colvin on September 18, 1951, was a renowned American songwriter and musician. He is best known for being a founding member, bassist, and primary songwriter of the influential punk rock band the Ramones.
Despite the Ramones' practice of crediting their songs equally to all band members, Dee Dee was the band's second most prolific lyricist and songwriter, penning many of their most iconic tracks, including "53rd & 3rd", "Commando", "Rockaway Beach", and "Poison Heart". Initially, he served as the band's lead vocalist, but his inability to sing and play bass simultaneously led to Joey Ramone taking over lead vocals.
Dee Dee went on to serve as the band's bassist and songwriter from 1974 to 1989, when he left to explore a short-lived career in hip hop music under the moniker Dee Dee King. He soon returned to his punk roots, releasing three solo albums featuring brand new compositions, many of which were later recorded by the Ramones. He embarked on a global tour, performing his new songs, Ramones classics, and old favorites in intimate clubs, and continued to write songs for the Ramones until 1996, when the band officially disbanded.
Throughout his life, Dee Dee struggled with drug addiction, particularly heroin, which he started using as a teenager and continued to abuse for most of his adult life. He appeared to overcome his addiction in the early 1990s but relapsed at some point later. Tragically, Dee Dee died from a heroin overdose on June 5, 2002.
