Complete List Of Three Dog Night Band Members

Feature Photo: Contemporary Public Relations, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

We have been doing a lot of Three Dog Night articles lately but that’s okay because they are one of our favorite bands of all time. We’re going to keep writing about them constantly. Three Dog Night was formed in 1967 in Los Angeles, California, was founded by vocalists Danny Hutton, Cory Wells, and Chuck Negron. The trio was soon joined by Jimmy Greenspoon on keyboards, Joe Schermie on bass, Michael Allsup on guitar, and Floyd Sneed on drums, solidifying the band’s lineup. Between 1969 and 1975, Three Dog Night achieved remarkable success, recording 21 Billboard Top 40 hits, including three that reached number one: “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World,” and “Black and White.”.

Despite their success, the band experienced internal conflicts and lineup changes, leading to their initial disbandment in 1976. They reunited in 1981 and have continued to perform with varying lineups. As of 2025, original member Danny Hutton continues to lead the band, maintaining an active touring schedule and performing their classic hits to audiences across the United States and Canada.

Cory Wells

Cory Wells, born Emil Lewandowski on February 5, 1941, in Buffalo, New York, was a founding member of Three Dog Night and served as one of the group’s three lead vocalists. Prior to forming the band, Wells performed with various musical groups, including The Enemies, which was the house band at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles and backed artists like Sonny & Cher.

Wells joined forces with Danny Hutton and Chuck Negron in 1967 to form Three Dog Night. His soulful and versatile voice was featured on several of the band’s hits, including “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” and “Shambala.” Wells remained with the band until their initial breakup in 1976 and returned when they reunited in 1981, continuing to perform until his passing in 2015.

Outside of Three Dog Night, Wells pursued a solo career and released the album Touch Me in 1978. He was known for his dedication to live performance, maintaining a rigorous touring schedule throughout his career. Wells passed away on October 20, 2015, leaving behind a legacy as a dynamic performer and a key contributor to the success of Three Dog Night.

Chuck Negron

Chuck Negron, born on June 8, 1942, in New York City, was one of the three lead vocalists of Three Dog Night. Before joining the band, Negron had a background in doo-wop music and was involved in the vibrant New York City music scene. He moved to Los Angeles, where he met Danny Hutton and Cory Wells, leading to the formation of Three Dog Night in 1967.

Negron’s powerful and emotive voice was showcased on several of the band’s most successful songs, including “Joy to the World” and “One.” He was an integral part of the band’s success during their peak years from 1969 to 1975. However, Negron struggled with substance abuse issues, which led to tensions within the band and his eventual departure in 1976. He briefly rejoined the group during their reunion in the early 1980s but was ultimately dismissed due to ongoing personal issues.

After leaving Three Dog Night, Negron focused on overcoming his addictions and rebuilding his life. He authored an autobiography titled Three Dog Nightmare, detailing his experiences with the band and his journey to recovery. Negron also pursued a solo music career, releasing several albums and continuing to perform live. He remains a notable figure in rock music history for his contributions to Three Dog Night and his candidness about his personal struggles.

Danny Hutton

Danny Hutton, born on September 10, 1942, in Buncrana, County Donegal, Ireland, is a founding member of Three Dog Night and has been a constant presence in the band since its inception. Before forming the group, Hutton worked as a solo artist and a staff producer for Hanna-Barbera Records, where he recorded songs such as “Roses and Rainbows.”

In 1967, Hutton conceived the idea of a three-vocalist band and recruited Cory Wells and Chuck Negron to join him, leading to the formation of Three Dog Night. Hutton’s vocals were featured on several of the band’s tracks, including “Black and White” and “Liar.” He remained with the band until their initial disbandment in 1976 and returned when they reunited in 1981. As of 2024, Hutton continues to lead Three Dog Night, performing regularly and keeping the band’s legacy alive.

Outside of Three Dog Night, Hutton managed punk rock bands, including Fear, and fronted the Danny Hutton Hitters, whose cover of the song “Wouldn’t It Be Good” appeared on the soundtrack for the 1986 film Pretty in Pink. His enduring presence in the music industry highlights his versatility and commitment to his craft.

Jimmy Greenspoon

Jimmy Greenspoon joined Three Dog Night in 1968 as the band’s keyboardist, a role he held during their initial run from 1968 to 1976 and later during their reunion from 1981 until his death in 2015. Greenspoon was a classically trained pianist whose skill brought a sophisticated musical layer to the group’s arrangements. His contributions can be heard prominently in tracks like “Out in the Country” and “Eli’s Coming,” where his keyboards provided rich textures and melodic depth. Greenspoon’s versatility allowed him to navigate the band’s wide-ranging styles, from soulful ballads to upbeat rock numbers.

In addition to his work with Three Dog Night, Greenspoon contributed to various recording sessions for other artists and occasionally composed original works outside the band. His influence extended beyond the studio, as he was a dynamic presence on stage during the band’s numerous tours. Greenspoon continued to perform with Three Dog Night until his health began to decline. He passed away on March 11, 2015, but remains remembered as a key architect of the band’s sound.

Ron Morgan

Ron Morgan briefly played guitar for Three Dog Night during their formative period in 1968. Though his tenure was short-lived, Morgan’s work helped the band establish their sound in their early days. He was replaced by Michael Allsup before the release of their debut album. Morgan’s contributions were foundational, but his career with the band did not progress to include any studio recordings. After his departure from Three Dog Night, Morgan continued to work as a guitarist, contributing to other projects in the 1960s and 1970s, though his later years saw him retreat from the music industry. He passed away in 1989.

Joe Schermie

Joe Schermie served as the bassist for Three Dog Night from 1968 to 1973, bringing a dynamic and rhythmic backbone to their early albums, including Suitable for Framing (1969), It Ain’t Easy (1970), and Naturally (1970). Schermie’s bass lines were integral to hits such as “Celebrate” and “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” providing a groove that anchored the band’s layered vocal arrangements. Known for his stage presence, Schermie was a vital member of the band during their peak years.

After leaving Three Dog Night in 1973 due to creative differences, Schermie went on to form his own band, S.S. Fools, with other former members of Three Dog Night’s touring ensemble. The group released one album in 1976 but disbanded shortly afterward. Schermie continued to work as a session musician and performed sporadically until his death on March 26, 2002.

Floyd Sneed

Floyd Sneed joined Three Dog Night in 1968 as their drummer, staying with the band through their peak years until 1974 and later rejoining during their 1981–1984 reunion. Sneed’s drumming style was characterized by its complexity and energy, adding an essential rhythmic drive to the band’s hits. His work on tracks like “Joy to the World” and “Liar” showcased his ability to balance power and finesse, making him a standout member of the rhythm section.

Sneed’s contributions extended beyond the drum kit, as he occasionally added vocal harmonies during live performances. Following his departure from Three Dog Night, Sneed pursued independent projects and collaborated with other musicians, showcasing his versatility as a drummer. He passed away on January 27, 2023, leaving behind a legacy as one of the band’s most memorable and influential members.

Michael Allsup

Michael Allsup joined Three Dog Night as a guitarist in 1968 and became an integral part of the band’s success. His guitar work is featured on every major album during their peak years, including Naturally (1970) and Harmony (1971). Allsup’s style ranged from soulful acoustic strumming to electric solos, adding depth and texture to tracks like “An Old Fashioned Love Song” and “Shambala.” His ability to adapt to the band’s varied material made him indispensable to their sound.

Allsup left the group in 1974 but returned for their 1981 reunion and remained active during the band’s subsequent tours in the 1980s and 1990s. He rejoined full-time in 1991 and continued to perform with the band until his retirement in 2021. Outside of Three Dog Night, Allsup worked as a session guitarist and released solo material. His dedication to the band across multiple decades cemented his place as one of their most enduring members.

Jack Ryland

Jack Ryland joined Three Dog Night as a bassist in 1973, replacing Joe Schermie. His tenure with the band lasted until 1975, during which he contributed to live performances and studio recordings, including the album Hard Labor (1974). Ryland’s bass work provided a solid foundation on tracks like “Play Something Sweet (Brickyard Blues)” and “Sure as I’m Sittin’ Here.” Though his time with the band was relatively short, he was a key member during an important transitional period in their career. After leaving Three Dog Night, Ryland remained involved in music until his untimely passing in 1996.

Skip Konte

Skip Konte joined Three Dog Night in 1973 as a keyboardist, contributing to their albums during the mid-1970s, including Hard Labor (1974) and Coming Down Your Way (1975). His addition brought a fresh layer of instrumental versatility to the band, as Konte often employed innovative synthesizer techniques that added texture to their evolving sound. After leaving the group in 1976, Konte went on to work with other artists and projects, further exploring electronic music. His technical prowess on keyboards remains a memorable element of Three Dog Night’s mid-1970s recordings.

Mickey McMeel

Mickey McMeel became the drummer for Three Dog Night in 1974, succeeding Floyd Sneed. He played on the albums Coming Down Your Way (1975) and American Pastime (1976), where his drumming style helped sustain the band’s rhythmic energy. McMeel’s work is particularly notable on tracks like “Til the World Ends,” showcasing his ability to adapt to the group’s stylistic shifts. After leaving Three Dog Night in 1976, McMeel pursued opportunities in television, notably appearing on the musical variety show The Mickey Mouse Club.

John Mrowiec

John Mrowiec joined Three Dog Night as a drummer in 1975, replacing Mickey McMeel. He played with the band until 1977, contributing to their live performances during a period when their studio output was declining. Though he did not appear on any of the band’s major studio albums, Mrowiec’s work in their live shows maintained the band’s tight rhythmic sound. Little is known about his career outside of his time with Three Dog Night.

James “Smitty” Smith

James “Smitty” Smith joined the band in 1974 as a guitarist during their transitional period. Smith contributed to their live performances and brought a distinctive style to the band’s concerts. His tenure was brief, ending in 1975, and he did not participate in any of the band’s studio recordings. Smith continued to play guitar professionally after leaving Three Dog Night, working as a session musician and collaborating with other artists in the industry.

Dennis Belfield

Dennis Belfield played bass for Three Dog Night from 1975 to 1976, stepping in after Jack Ryland’s departure. Belfield’s bass work is featured on the album American Pastime (1976), where his contributions helped anchor tracks like “Everybody’s a Masterpiece.” After his time with Three Dog Night, Belfield went on to work in the music industry, both as a performer and behind the scenes in production roles.

Al Ciner

Al Ciner joined Three Dog Night as a guitarist in 1975, contributing to both live performances and studio recordings during his short tenure. He played on the album American Pastime (1976), where his guitar work added a new dimension to the band’s sound. Ciner’s prior experience included playing with the bands The American Breed and Rufus. After leaving Three Dog Night in 1976, he continued to perform and record with other musical groups.

Jay Gruska

Jay Gruska briefly served as a vocalist for Three Dog Night in 1976, during a tumultuous time for the band. Although his time with the group was short and he did not appear on any major recordings, Gruska went on to have a successful career as a composer and songwriter. He is known for his work in television and film scoring, including music for shows like Supernatural and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

Ron Stockert

Ron Stockert was a keyboardist for Three Dog Night during 1976, contributing primarily to live performances. His time with the band was brief, and he did not participate in any studio albums. Stockert later pursued other musical endeavors, focusing on his work as a keyboardist and vocalist in various projects.

Mike Seifrit

Mike Seifrit played bass for Three Dog Night from 1981 to 1982, contributing to the band’s live performances during their early reunion period. Although he did not record with the band in the studio, his bass work supported the group’s tours as they re-established their presence on the road. After leaving the band, Seifrit continued to perform as a bassist in other capacities.

Richard Grossman

Richard Grossman joined Three Dog Night as a bassist from 1982 to 1984. He played an important role in the band’s live performances during this time, bringing a solid rhythmic presence to their shows. Grossman later became known for his work with artists such as Bonnie Raitt and John Cale, building a reputation as a versatile session bassist and touring musician.