The Life and Struggles of Three Dog Night

Death will come for all of us regardless of wealth of notoriety. Sadly, the band Three Dog Night had a tough 2016 and early 2016, with the loss of original members Cory Wells and Jimmy Greenspoon. Bass player Joe Schermie passed away in 2002, leaving only Chuck Negron (yup, the cousin of actor and playwright Taylor Negron) Michael Allsup, and Floyd Sneed.

Three Dog Night will always be remembered as one of the most prolific groups in the 70s and 80s, releasing 11 studio albums, selling millions in record sales, scoring 21 consecutive Top 40 hits – seven earned a Gold Record. What most people don’t know is their bestselling singles were written by other performers. Paul Williams wrote “Out in the Country,” “The Family of Man” and “An Old Fashioned Love Song,” while Hoyt Axton wrote “Joy to the World” and “Never Been to Spain.” Can you guess who wrote “Momma Told Me Not to Come?” It was Randy Newman.

Yes, the name of the Australian practice of herders on the open rage huddling with their sheep dogs on cold nights; a three dog night being the coldest.

Three Dog Night was inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000.