Of all the bands that emerged out of New York’s burgeoning music scene in the 1970s, none capture the anything-goes ethos quite as well as Blondie. Led by the stylish, magnetic and effortlessly cool Debbie Harry — and featuring the driving core of guitarist Chris Stein and drummer Clem Burke — Blondie fused cabaret, rock, hip-hop and world music into their sound and managed to make it edgy and popular at the same time. From creative covers of songs such as “Hanging on the Telephone” and “The Tide is High” to now-classic hit singles such as “One Way or Another,” “Heart of Glass,” “Rapture” and “Call Me,” Blondie has remained embedded in the soundtracks of our lives. As the band prepares for their 50th anniversary in 2024, The Unofficial Story of Blondie looks back on their legacy of innovation and influence — plus the personal dramas that have made their history so messy and magnificent — with fabulous photos and a countdown of the songs you’re going to want to add to your playlist right away.
POP’S PUNK SUPER STARS Blondie
WHY WE LOVE Blondie • Defying genres, expectations and general pop decorum, the New York City rockers brought a gritty and glamorous new wave look and sound to the mainstream
THE BUTTERFLY GETS ITS Wings • As the personal relationship between Debbie Harry and Chris Stein grew, so did their musical aspirations, leading Blondie to a big record deal and global adoration
Peak Pop DARLINGS • With the release of Autoamerican in 1980, Blondie topped the charts with world beats and rap. But individual pursuits would plant the seeds of discord
BEHIND THE MAKING OF Koo Koo
DISBANDED AND Rebranded • Money woes, squabbles among bandmates and Stein’s declining health spelled doom for Blondie, but Harry’s solo career still held promise
DEBBIE HARRY on-screen
Back ON THE ROAD • By the start of the new century, the band had returned to the charts and would be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
REVIVED AND Vibrant • From music festival stages to memoir pages, Blondie continues to inspire
Blondie IN REVIEW • The 15 songs you must know to appreciate the legacy of the band
The Story of Blondie
PHOTO CREDITS