Menu

Search by Name

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

/

/

Monti Rock III

1939 - 2026

BORN

1939

DIED

2026

About

Celebrities & Headline News

Monti Rock Obituary

Joseph Montanez Jr., better known as Monti Rock III, an exuberant entertainer whose flamboyant persona helped bring disco into the American mainstream and made him a longstanding figure in Las Vegas nightlife, died February 23, 2026, at his home in Las Vegas. He died of complications from COPD at the age of 86.

Born May 29, 1939, in the Bronx, New York City, Rock emerged from modest roots to forge a highly visible entertainment career. He first gained national attention through multiple appearances on "The Merv Griffin Show" in the mid-1960s. Those early appearances laid the groundwork for his frequent guest spots on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," where his personality and theatrical style helped him stand out to television audiences.

Rock became a defining presence in the 1970s disco era as the charismatic frontman of Disco-Tex and His Sex-O-Lettes. The band's recordings, including the hit singles "Get Dancin'" and "I Wanna Dance Wit' Choo (Doo Dat Dance)," became staples at dance clubs in New York and across the nation, helping to usher disco into mainstream American pop culture.

In addition to his musical success, Rock appeared on film and in television, most notably as a disc jockey in the iconic 1977 movie "Saturday Night Fever," cementing his connection to disco's cultural peak.

Rock was openly gay at a time when few public figures were comfortable admitting such an identity. He stood as a forerunner in visibility for LGBTQ+ performers in mainstream entertainment.

After years on the national stage, he made Las Vegas his home and became a well-known fixture in the city's entertainment community. Over decades, he reinvented his stage persona many times and also served as an ordained minister later in life.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Ethan Miller/Getty Images for CineVegas)

Published by Legacy Remembers from Feb. 25 to Feb. 26, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Monti Rock

18 Entries

RG

March 22, 2026

Victoria

March 9, 2026

My mom loved to watch him on The Tonight Show. I remember cutting out this article about when he was a famous hairdresser when I was a teenager. He was a character. Condolences to his family and friends.

Montgomery Johnson

March 9, 2026

I remember hearing his songs on the Simpsons.
I later started listening to all his records non stop, it was a huge shock when I Googled his name and found out he was still alive.
I googled his name again, and suddenly saw that he died, I didn't expect him to die this suddenly! I hope he has a little home right near the Gates of Heaven.
Rest In Peace, Monti, Heaven probably dancing right now

mike michaels

March 7, 2026

Monti was a great friend, I knew him for 20 some years and I produced a small documentary for him as well, he would give out cards to you, like a birthday card to you but when you opened it it was a old card given to him in the past from someone else then he would write over that your message your happy birthday, it was so funny, he would give t-shirts the same way, get ones from good will or seconds then paint his name logo over that right over the vans logo or what ever was on the shirt, he was so personal, loving and of course wacky, did his monkey bite Steven Tyler? just crazy stories he had, RIP Monti Rock from Mike Michaels in vegas.

How you can show support

Follow

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Tammy B

March 3, 2026

Rest in peace, Monti! My dad and I always enjoyed watching you on The Tonight Show and I loved you as the DJ in Saturday Night Fever. You were a great entertainer and will be missed. Tammy

Chris

March 3, 2026

I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Monti Rock. May our Lord give you comfort as you mourn his loss.

Brick Jagger

March 1, 2026

Rest in peace Monti, you rocked!

Rick

February 27, 2026

Love you Monti. From your appearances on late night TV to when I finally got to meet you in Las Vegas at several lunches. You remembered me. I was touched. I have the rainbow boa I won at at auction in your honor, hanging in our store. My wife and I will never forget the fun you brought to this world. There will never be another Monti Rock III. RIP my friend.

Laura

February 27, 2026

Back when Monte first started out, I saw his picture in a teen magazine. So I sent him a fan letter. I never expected an answer, but I did get one. It was a beautiful black and white photo of him sitting on a throne. I lost the picture many years ago, but my love for Monte never disappeared. This has made me very sad. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends and fans. I will miss him.

Diane Harrison

February 26, 2026

Condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May God give you all the comfort you need.

Al Parker

February 26, 2026

I remember vividly watching the great interviews of Monty, usually on the Tonight Show. What a great raconteur he was. RIP Monty.