Dee Snider

Early Life

Daniel "Dee" Snider was born on March 15, 1955, in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York City. He is the son of an art teacher, Marguerite, and a New York State Trooper, Bob Snider. Raised in a family with Swiss and Ukrainian roots, Snider's upbringing was influenced by a blend of Catholic and Jewish traditions, as his mother converted to Episcopalianism. He grew up in Baldwin and Freeport, Long Island, where he developed a passion for music, singing in church choirs and school choruses, and was even selected for the All-State Chorus before graduating from Baldwin Senior High School in 1973.

Music Career

Dee Snider's music career took off in 1976 when he joined the heavy metal band Twisted Sister, where he became the sole songwriter. His unique persona, characterized by long blond hair and flamboyant makeup, helped define the band's image. Twisted Sister gained fame with their 1984 anthem "We're Not Gonna Take It," which reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Snider's songwriting prowess was evident in the band's albums, including their debut "Under the Blade" and subsequent releases like "You Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll" and "Stay Hungry." Beyond Twisted Sister, he formed other bands such as Desperado and Widowmaker and released several solo albums, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Television and Radio Career

In addition to his music, Snider has made a name for himself in television and radio. He hosted the heavy metal show "Heavy Metal Mania" on MTV in the mid-1980s and has narrated various shows on VH1. His radio career includes hosting the syndicated show "House of Hair," which celebrates 1980s hard rock and heavy metal. Snider's engaging personality and love for music have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, further solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted artist.