Johnny Ramone (real name: John Cummings), the guitarist for The Ramones was born on October 8, 1948 in Queens, New York. He was a founding member of The Ramones which has been dubbed as one of the “most influential bands in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.” 1

Famous for his leather jacket and ripped blue jeans look, Johnny himself was an excellent guitarist with his own unique style that was never fully replicated.

Johnny Ramone, 1977 at the El Mocambo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, [photo by P.B.Toman]
“Johnny had the guitar sound that launched a thousand bands.” Said bassist Glen Matlock. “Many bands tried to emulate it, but they never got it right.”2 He was also a devout republican and said that Ronald Reagan was “the greatest President of [his] lifetime.”3
Johnny died on September 15, 2004 after a long battle with prostate cancer.To hear Johnny’s own words about the beginnings of his career and The Ramones, watch the following interview recorded not long before his death:

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1“Johnny Ramone: Rebel in a Rebel’s World.” Washington Times. 11 Mar 2004:  Web. 17 Jun. 2013. <http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/mar/11/20040311-085521-1823r/?page=all>.

2“Punk Legend Johnny Ramone Dies at 55.” Billboard.com. N.p., 16 Sep 2004. Web. 17 Jun 2013. <http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/66476/punk-legend-johnny-ramone-dies-at-55>.

3“Johnny Ramone: Rebel in a Rebel’s World.” Washington Times. 11 Mar 2004:  Web. 17 Jun. 2013. <http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/mar/11/20040311-085521-1823r/?page=all>