New York City-based Rock band formed in December 1971, and initially active until 1976.

Johnny Thunders was recruited by Arthur Kane and Rick Rivets to join their band, who had been playing in the Bronx. At Thunders' suggestion, Billy Murcia replaced the original drummer. The then-nameless band was eventually retconned . After Thunders decided he didn't want to be the frontman, local blues harmonicist David Johansen (vocals) entered the band. Sylvain Sylvain replaced Rivets after a few months, and suggested the name New York Dolls for the group.

The band began to regularly play venues in Lower Manhattan, particularly at the Mercer Arts Center. Murcia died, and was replaced by Jerry Noaln, a close friend of Thunders'. The band had varying levels of success, but were never widely accepted in the US outside the New York City area, primarily due to their appearance. After two records (who would prove to be vastly influential), Thunders and Nolan left the band while on tour in Florida in April 1975 (soon forming The Heartbreakers (2)), with Kane also departing. Johansen and Sylvain soldiered on, often being billed as "The Dolls" for a few more months with fill-in musicians - finally disbanding in 1976.

Thunders passed away in 1991, Nolan in 1992, and Kane in 2004, just after the Dolls reunited for a show in England. Johansen and Sylvain decided to continue as The New York Dolls from 2004 to 2012, releasing 3 more albums anchored by a musicians such as Sam Yaffa (guitarist of Hanoi Rocks), Steve Conte (guitar) and Brian Delaney (2) (drums).

Sylvain passed away in 2021, and Johansen in 2025.