Los Angeles radio station Indie 103.1 and the Associated Press are reporting that Johnny Ramone has passed away. He was 55. A publicist told the Associated Press that Ramone died in his sleep Wednesday afternoon at his Los Angeles home surrounded by friends and family. Johnny had been fighting a five-year battle with prostate cancer. He will be cremated during a private ceremony.

Johnny was born John Cummings on October 8, 1948 in Long Island, NY. He was raised in nearby Forest Hills, Queens. It was here that he and Douglas Colvin (the future Dee Dee) formed the Ramones in 1974. Throughout the Ramones' prolific career Johnny proved one of the most influential and often imitated guitarists in punk rock.

Johnny is survived by his wife Linda and his mother Estelle Cummings. Our deepest condolences go out to Johnny's friends and family.