Joey Ramone ( b. Jeffery Hyman ( May 19 , 1951 - April 15 , 2001 ) was an American punk musician and founder member of The Ramones , in which he was lead singer , along with Dee Dee , Tommey and Johnny Ramone . Joey Ramone ( born Jeffry Ross Hyman ; May 19 , 1951 â `` April 15 , 2001 ) was a vocalist and songwriter , best known as the lead vocalist in the punk rock band the Ramones . Joey Ramone 's image , voice and tenure as frontman of the Ramones made him a countercultural icon .