We mourn the passing of Douglas Colvin, known professionally as Dee Dee Ramone, who died on June 5, 2002 at 50 years old. Dee Dee was a musician and composer, best known as the bass guitarist and founding member of the punk rock band The Ramones. He was born in Fort Lee, Virginia, and was one of the first punk bands to emerge in New York City in 1974. As a musician, Dee Dee pioneered punk rock music by producing a melodic but hard-edged sound. He crafted the signature two-minute Ramones tunes, and his lyrics often chronicled his own experiences of battling drug addiction. Dee Dee published his life story, "Lobotomy: Surviving the Ramones", in 2001. In the book, he discussed his tumultuous relationship with The Ramones, his addiction to heroin, and his time spent living on the streets of New York City. Dee Dee’s contribution to punk music is immeasurable, and his influence will live on in the music and generations of fans he inspired. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family, and remembered fondly by all.