Through the early 1970s, Three Dog Night was a fixture on the pop charts, a non-threatening alternative to the Stones and Zeppelin, yet hipper and harder-rocking than Bread or The Carpenters. The band filled this niche for nearly five years, racking up 21 consecutive Top 40 hits and selling over 80 million albums. They were unusual, not only in their three-lead-vocalist format, but also in the degree of control they had over choosing their material, using their own band in the studio, and acting as co-producers of many of their records. The group’s phenomenal success, and broad appeal, afforded them uncommon freedom from Dunhill, their record label through 1973.
By 1975, though, they were on their third label in three years and the hits had dried up. And by the time Elvis’ walking pharmacy, Dr. Nick, confided to the world the King’s prodigious appetite for prescription drugs, Three Dog Night’s Chuck Negron was selling his gold records to subsidize a $2,000 a day heroin habit.
In case the title isn’t sufficient, Negron sets the tone for his autobiography with the book’s first sentence — “I should be dead” — and an opening chapter that catalogs overdoses, car crashes, gun play, suicide attempts, and nearly becoming a victim in the notorious Wonderland murders. By the book’s end, it does seem miraculous that he survived the dissolute life he depicts in Three Dog Nightmare. Negron is merciless, even relentless, in portraying himself as a reckless, impulsive, and selfish junkie who thinks no further than his next score.
His focus throughout the book, an update of the 2000 edition, is his drug use, his repeated attempts at rehabilitation, and his eventual recovery; his musical career is almost incidental to his addiction story. In fact, it becomes obvious that Negron was already dealing with a propensity for substance abuse even before he became a rock star. A few musically-related Three Dog Night anecdotes — like Danny Hutton singing the lead vocal for “Liar” with “his head a few inches above the water line . . . of this scummy toilet” — tease the story of the band that remains largely untold (the only other autobiography out of the band to date, Jimmy Greenspoon’s One Is the Loneliest Number, offers a disturbingly similar, addiction-oriented approach to the Three Dog Night story, and is long out of print.)
Article comments
1 - Kevin Eagan
So his son Chucky Negron was basically born into addiction, and still suffers as a result? That is very sad, repulsive actually. If anything, it shows how rock excess can really ruin lives. I love the music of many of these bands, but the drugs and excess really destroy the music and the musician's life.
2 - James A. Gardner
Thanks for the comment, Kevin. My understanding, from Negron's book, is just as you say, that his son has ongoing addiction problems due to his parents' drug abuse. Hopefully, with persistence and support, he can eventually overcome his addictions, as his father apparently has.
3 - Mick Tavella
I just finished reading the book.What a train wreck! I can't believe he isnt dead.Three Dog Night is the first band I remember hearing as a kid.My kindergarden teacher used to play Joy to the world.I applaud Negron.He's sober,on top of his game,and is trying to repair the damage of his past.He's 66 now and looks better than Wells and Hutton.I wish they would do one more tour,but I dont think that will happen.
4 - James A. Gardner
Thanks for your comment, Mick. I wish they'd tour again, as I never got to see them in concert, but based on the animosity that comes through in Negron's book, it doesn't sound likely.
According to Negron's site, he was touring with the "Flashback Classic Rock Experience," which sounded kind of cool, but that tour is "on hold until further notice."
5 - Christina from RI.
Great book. I could'nt put it down.
Chuck came to Mohegan Sun,CT. in April 2008 to promote his book. In the Cabarat they had a Q and A session then a book signing and later that night @ the Wolfe Den he held a concert. His step son Berry Oakley played guitar. It was a great time. I like his new band. I enjoy Chuck and his band more than Cory and Danny and the rest of Three Dog Night. Check out his website. There is a cruise in February 2009.
6 - Mick Tavella
Again,Chuck is an inspiration to me.I've never met the man, but he seems approachable.If he ever tours through Lancaster Pa.I would definately see him.Wells and Hutton do but I refuse to go unless Negron is there.Face it Chuck IS three dog night!
7 - James A. Gardner
"Face it Chuck IS three dog night!"
Mick, after reading his book, I know he would definitely agree with you! While there's no denying all he brought to the band, when you hear him without the other two singers, and that group of musicians, you realize what an exceptional combo it was. But he did bring a ton to TDN.
For a slightly different perspective on the TDN story, Jimmy Greenspoon's book (which is out of print) is worth a read.
8 - Barbara Eddins
Chuck Negron's book plus the addition have helped many addicts.
If one visits his new website there are blogs on the message board from people who have been helped by reading his book.
Chuckie (note correct spelling) is back in prison in California where drugs are readily available. This condition has placed much worry on family and friends. The latest news according to the message board is that Chuckie is well.
Any fan of Three Dog Night will enjoy this book. The details of how the original seven members started out is included and quite entertaining. Negron describes the talents each one brought to contribute to the unique sound of the legendary rock band.
9 - Pedro
Unfortunately drug use and musicians go way back. But it got out of hand in the 70's, ruining many lives. Fortunately by now we live in a less permissive society, but many paid the price of educating themselves. Glad that period is over. The music was great, though.
10 - Mariano Garcia
I am at the very end of the book. I was wondering where I could find the updated version? I am currently battling a heroin addiction and am attending Tarzana Treatment Center and have 2 weeks clean and sober. Let me tell you guys, that NOTHING in this book is exagerrated. I cant believe he is still with us. It is truly inspiring and he;s someone that I hope to meet one day.
11 - James A. Gardner
Mariano, it looks like the updated version is available from Negron's site, www [dot] negron [dot] com.
Congratulations on cleaning up, and I hope you are on the road to lifelong recovery.
12 - Straight dope
vindictive man plain and simple. Hidden well but is not really what he claims to be.
13 - alan macdonald
I remember buying very expensive tickets to a 3dog night concert in Toronto in 1972. I was a struggling college student trying to show my girlfriend (now wife) a very good memorable time. The band was so stoned they couldn't remember lyrics or hardly walk and giggled incessantly. Forty one years later I remember how much Negron and his drug addled brain ripped me off.