Joey Ramone

Jeffry Hyman (May 19, 1951 РApril 15, 2001), better known as Joey Ramone, was an American vocalist and songwriter best known for his work in the legendary punk rock group The Ramones. He and bandmate Johnny Ramone (n̩ John Cummings) were the only two members who stayed with the band until their retirement in 1996.

Hyman grew up in Forest Hills, Queens. During his youth, he was by general accounts something of an outcast and had a dysfunctional family life, as his parents split in the early 1960s. His mother, Charlotte, encouraged an interest in music in both him and his brother Mitchell (a.k.a. Mickey Leigh). He was a fan of The Who, among other bands (particularly 'oldies' and the Phil Spector produced "Girl Groups"). He took up drums at 13, playing throughout his teen years, and originally was the drummer for the Ramones. Upon Tommy Ramone's suggestion that some particular parts of the band didn't work, he became the vocalist. Hyman and his bandmates attended Forest Hills High School.

Hyman was said to be the 'heart and soul' of the Ramones, and his favorite songs from their reper...