1

Blondie

Of all the acts associated with the new wave craze of the ‘70s and ’80s none defined the scene quite like Blondie.

2

Blondie’s Beginnings

The now-iconic band’s origins date back to 1973, when guitarist Chris Stein joined a New York City rock group called The Stilettos, where he met singer Debbie Harry. Despite sticking it out for several months — and striking up a romance along the way — their pair decided to break out, launching their own project with drummer Billy O'Connor and bassist Fred Smith in summer 1974.

3

What's in a Name?

Though the band initially performed under the name Angel and the Snake, they gained their iconic moniker that October. Their name was inspired by how truck drivers would catcall Harry by yelling “hey, Blondie!” from the drivers’ seat. 


4

NYC’s Darlings

After finalizing their lineup, tapping Clem Burke as their new drummer and Gary Valentine as a replacement bassist, the group shot to local stardom. They regularly performed at iconic New York City venues, including 
CBGB and Max's Kansas City, before cutting their first self-titled album in 1976.

5

Tour Life

While at the time, their debut album garnered mixed reviews, Blondie kept up their momentum, touring with rock legends David Bowie and Iggy Pop through 1977 before releasing their sophomore record, Plastic Letters. Unlike their first album, singles like “Denis” and “(I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence, Dear” made a splash across the pond, charting in the U.K.

6

Mainstream Momentum

Though their second album may have brought international fame, their third made them a household name. Fueled by Harry’s sultry stage presence and powerful vocals, their single "Heart of Glass" was a smash hit, helping their third album, “Parallel Lines”, become their most successful record to date, selling 20 million copies.

7

One Way Or Another … Blondie Will Reign

Following their breakthrough, the band turned away from the disco-inspired sounds of “Heart of Glass” and took a hard left towards rock n’ roll with now-legendary tracks like “One Way or Another” and “Picture This.”

8

Debbie Harry’s Rise to Fame

Earning a name for herself as Blondie’s front woman, Harry decided to make the most of her star power. By the late ‘70s, Harry transferred her legendary stage presence to screen and film, posing for photographers like Annie Leibovitz and starring in movies like Amos Poe’s “The Foreigner.”

9

Senior Blues

By 1979, Blondie had released their fourth album, “Eat to the Beat.” Despite only charting at number 17 on the Billboard 200, the album not only made waves in the UK, reaching number one on their albums chart, but also produced songs like “Dreaming” and “Atomic.”

10

“Call Me”

Blondie’s stint away from American success was short lived. The following year, Harry and Italian composer Giorgio Moroder, wrote “Call Me.” Though initially penned for the film “American Gigolo,” the song’s impact spanned well beyond the big screen. Holding down the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, the song also topped the charts in the UK and Canada.

11

Genre Experimentation

High off the success of “Call Me,” Blondie decided to have some fun with their fifth album, Autoamerican. Stepping away from their signature rock sound, the band experimented with Reggae with their cover of "The Tide Is High” and rap with “Rapture.”

12

In 1981, Harry was able to showcase her acting and musical chops, appearing on “Saturday Night Live” as both the host and musical guest. Alongside performing hilarious skits with cast members like Eddie Murphy, she hit the stage with some of Blondie’s most iconic hits.

13

All Good Things Come To An End

Though Blondie released their album “Hunter” in May 1982, by the end of the year, the band had called it quits. Harry went on to enjoy a fairly successful solo career, writing “Rush Rush” for “Scarface” and releasing her own album, “Rockbird” in 1986. 


14

A ‘90s Reunion

15 years after their breakup, Blondie began reconciling in the late ‘90s, thanks to recognition from contemporary rockers like No Doubt and Garbage. Hitting the stage at a few outdoor festivals, the group also headed back to the studio, where they’ve released five additional albums, including 1999’s “No Exit” and 2003’s “The Curse of Blondie.”

15

A Lasting Legacy

Inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame in 2006, Blondie continues to revel in their status as rock royalty. They headlined Coachella in 2023, and a year later, confirmed they’d be releasing a new album in 2025.