Roots of Backyard Babies

The New York Dolls were an American rock band formed in New York City in 1971, who released two albums, New York Dolls (1973) and Too Much Too Soon (1974), before disbanding in 1976. Its classic lineup consisted of vocalist David Johansen, guitarist Johnny Thunders, bassist Arthur Kane, guitarist and pianist Sylvain Sylvain, and drummer Jerry Nolan; the latter two had replaced Rick Rivets and Billy Murcia, respectively, in 1972. In their appearance, they drew from drag fashion, wearing high heels, hats, satin, makeup, spandex, and dresses.