Martin Scorsese Co-Directing Documentary on New York Dolls Singer David Johansen
The life of David Johansen – flamboyant lead singer of the New York Dolls and Buster Poindexter – is now the subject of a new documentary. And it’s co-directed by Martin Scorsese.
The treatment will chronicle the singer’s nearly 50-year career, which began as a teenager in the downtown New York City scene of the 1960s before his rise to fame with the New York Dolls. And, of course, his 1980s alter-ego Buster Poindexter and transition to the Harry Smiths.
The as-yet-unnamed documentary is co-directed by Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi for Showtime Documentary Films.
“I’ve known David Johansen for decades, and his music has been a touchstone ever since I listened to the Dolls when I was making Mean Streets,” Scorsese said in a statement. “Then and now, David’s music captures the energy and excitement of New York City. I often see him perform, and over the years I’ve gotten to know the depth of his musical inspirations. After seeing his show last year at the Café Carlyle, I knew I had to film it because it was so extraordinary to see the evolution of his life and his musical talent in such an intimate setting.”
[h/t Spin]