Lead vocalist and guitarist of The Knack, known for the 1979 hit song "My Sharona", a power pop anthem that topped the charts and became a classic of the era.
As the rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of the rock band the Knack, Doug Fieger is best known for cowriting and performing the 1979 chart-topping hit "My Sharona" with lead guitarist Berton Averre. This catchy tune spent six consecutive weeks at the top of Billboard's Hot 100, solidifying Fieger's place in music history.
Born on August 20, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, Fieger was the son of June Beth (née Oberer) and Bernard Julian Fieger, a Jewish father and Norwegian mother. Growing up in Oak Park, Michigan, Fieger was surrounded by the rich musical heritage of Motown, which would later shape his unique sound.
Before forming the Knack, Fieger honed his skills as a bassist and lead singer in the group Sky, founded by producer Jimmy Miller (Rolling Stones, Traffic, Blind Faith). During this time, Fieger recorded two albums for RCA Records, "Dont Hold Back" (1970) and "Sailors Delight" (1971), produced by Miller and Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin).
In the late 1970s, Fieger formed the Knack with guitarist Berton Averre, bassist Prescott Niles, and drummer Bruce Gary. They made their debut at Hollywood's Whisky a Go Go nightclub in 1978, eventually signing with Capitol Records in 1979.
"My Sharona" not only ruled the airwaves in 1979 but also gained renewed popularity 15 years later when it was featured in the film Reality Bites. The song has since become a staple of 70s pop culture, with its catchy hooks and Fieger's distinctive vocals.
Fieger's legacy extends beyond his music. As a producer, he worked with the Rubber City Rebels and the Los Angeles-based band Mystery Pop. His collaborations with drummer Brandon Matheson as bandmates in the Sunset Bombers resulted in an album on Ariola Records.
Fieger was the younger brother of Detroit attorney Geoffrey Fieger, who famously represented Jack Kevorkian. Fieger passed away on February 14, 2010, leaving behind a lasting impact on the music world.
Through his music, Doug Fieger continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike, cementing his place as a true rock legend.
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