Call her a punk pioneer, call her the voice of new wave, call her a pop star. Debbie Harry answers to it all, and on her own terms. As the frontwoman of the New York-based band ‘Blondie’ that swept across the 70s and 80s and into her solo career, Harry was the face of an era that continues to influence music and culture today.
Formed in 1974 by Harry and guitarist and partner Chris Stein under the guise of Blondie, the band became synonymous with the lead singer’s platinum locks and named as a tongue-in-cheek take on catcalling she experienced. From their chart-topping albums Parallel Lines (1978) and Eat to the Beat (1980), Debbie Harry knows firsthand what it’s like to rise to the upper echelon of music.
Gary Valentine, Chris Stein, Debbie Harry, Jimmy Destri and Clem Burke of Blondie, in London, England, 1976. (Photo by Chris Walter/Getty Images)
From The NYC Underground
During its early days, Blondie emerged from the New York City underground punk scene, orbiting in a world inhabited by the likes of The Ramones, Patti Smith Group, Television and Talking Heads. As the city was still finding its feet post economic hardships in the 1970s, the band started as an act heavily influenced by music of the 60s, with some of their most prominent hits like ‘The Tide is High’, ‘Hanging on the Telephone’ and ‘Denis’ as covers of notable rocksteady, reggae and doo-wop groups.
This amalgamation of sonic references meant that Blondie reached the masses in downtown Manhattan and beyond. As the band’s only female member, Harry broke down musical barriers as a woman in a predominantly male industry, and soared the charts by blending new wave, punk, pop and disco at a time when testing the waters in music was only just coming to play.
Debbie Harry of Blondie, New York, 1970s. (Photo by Anthony Barboza/Getty Images)
Beyond The Band
But beyond the hours penning new chords, gritty late nights onstage at CBGB and rallying at the local NYC melting pot ‘Max’s Kansas City’, Blondie the band became synonymous with Debbie Harry herself. Before becoming the platinum-haired powerhouse, she was always a woman from New Jersey who came to New York to make a name for herself with a recognisable voice and eye for the bigger picture.
While Blondie dominated the charts, Harry herself harboured a different type of hunger. In 1981 she embarked on a solo career with her first album KooKoo, followed by Rockbird (1986) and later Necessary Evil (2007) all in which peaked in the US and UK charts. Though timely spaced apart each album represented a different facet of Debbie Harry, as both a sentimental artist and everlasting enigma.
Image of the Cutler and Gross X Debbie Harry Maria 003 Cat Eye Sunglass in Black.
A Lasting Legacy
Decades later, Debbie Harry remains a testament to the power of defying expectations. For over fifty years, she has been a woman who refused to be confined by a single label, sound or version of herself. Whether she's commanding an audience or protecting her peace off stage, she embodies the spirit of reinvention that defined her era and continues to inspire generations of artists. The punk pioneer, the pop innovator, the softer Jersey girl—they're all sides of Debbie Harry, and they always have been.
Cutler and Gross X Debbie Harry presents an exclusive collection of three sunglass styles. This collaboration celebrates the dual artistry of Cutler and Gross and Debbie Harry, designed with a forward-looking vision and created for those as daring as the cultural forces who inspire them.
Shop The Collection
Real List 4 the Realest, by Beth Ditto
Tune in to the latest Cutler and Gross Spotify playlist, curated by singer and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter, Beth Ditto.
Featuring a serious compilation of genre-bending tracks for an eccentric and energetic ambiance. Blurring the Ramones with Bo Diddley and segueing from Grandmaster Flash to the voice of Blondie’s Debbie Harry—this playlist knows what is sharp and considered.
Beth Ditto has been in the spotlight for over two decades and known for her forays in music and popular culture, fronting the American indie rock band Gossip and in news causing commotion with her covers of NME and LOVE magazine.
As a woman orbiting in a genre-agnostic world of music, it feels natural to find friendship and collaboration with Debbie Harry, frontwoman of Blondie, artist who shaped the visual and sonic language of music and the latest figurehead in collaboration with Cutler and Gross. Beth featured on Blondie's track "A Rose by Any Name" from the 2013 album Ghosts of Download and has since gone on to collaborate closely with Harry herself, on interviews and performances alike.
"Debbie Harry was different. In a rough punk boys world, all grimy and leather, there she was in her T-shirt and tights."
—Beth Ditto, singer and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter
From left to right: Debbie Harry, George Michael and Beth Ditto. Photo by Chris Stein of Blondie.
A Letter from Beth:
It is a fact, I will do just about anything for Debbie Harry. She’s the glamourous punk with a sing-song joyful voice. And even punk needs joy!
Debbie was sparkle when I needed it. I didn’t see or hear anyone else like her when I was getting into punk rock. I always loved make up, style, sewing and making things that didn’t align.
Debbie Harry was different. In a rough punk boys world, all grimy and leather, there she was in her T-shirt and tights. She was just—herself. She’s so good at being herself. Seems simple, but it isn’t always.
From Blondie, to solo records and acting, she stands out. And she is kind. So yeah! Here’s some songs that make me think of her! And thank you, Debbie!
Discover Our Spotify
Yours, Debbie
Call her a punk pioneer, call her the voice of new wave, call her a pop star. Debbie Harry answers to it all, and on her own terms. As the frontwoman of the New York-based band ‘Blondie’ that swept across the 70s and 80s and into her solo career, Harry was the face of an era that continues to influence music and culture today.
Formed in 1974 by Harry and guitarist and partner Chris Stein under the guise of Blondie, the band became synonymous with the lead singer’s platinum locks and named as a tongue-in-cheek take on catcalling she experienced. From their chart-topping albums Parallel Lines (1978) and Eat to the Beat (1980), Debbie Harry knows firsthand what it’s like to rise to the upper echelon of music.
From The NYC Underground
During its early days, Blondie emerged from the New York City underground punk scene, orbiting in a world inhabited by the likes of The Ramones, Patti Smith Group, Television and Talking Heads. As the city was still finding its feet post economic hardships in the 1970s, the band started as an act heavily influenced by music of the 60s, with some of their most prominent hits like ‘The Tide is High’, ‘Hanging on the Telephone’ and ‘Denis’ as covers of notable rocksteady, reggae and doo-wop groups.
This amalgamation of sonic references meant that Blondie reached the masses in downtown Manhattan and beyond. As the band’s only female member, Harry broke down musical barriers as a woman in a predominantly male industry, and soared the charts by blending new wave, punk, pop and disco at a time when testing the waters in music was only just coming to play.
Beyond The Band
But beyond the hours penning new chords, gritty late nights onstage at CBGB and rallying at the local NYC melting pot ‘Max’s Kansas City’, Blondie the band became synonymous with Debbie Harry herself. Before becoming the platinum-haired powerhouse, she was always a woman from New Jersey who came to New York to make a name for herself with a recognisable voice and eye for the bigger picture.
While Blondie dominated the charts, Harry herself harboured a different type of hunger. In 1981 she embarked on a solo career with her first album KooKoo, followed by Rockbird (1986) and later Necessary Evil (2007) all in which peaked in the US and UK charts. Though timely spaced apart each album represented a different facet of Debbie Harry, as both a sentimental artist and everlasting enigma.
A Lasting Legacy
Decades later, Debbie Harry remains a testament to the power of defying expectations. For over fifty years, she has been a woman who refused to be confined by a single label, sound or version of herself. Whether she's commanding an audience or protecting her peace off stage, she embodies the spirit of reinvention that defined her era and continues to inspire generations of artists. The punk pioneer, the pop innovator, the softer Jersey girl—they're all sides of Debbie Harry, and they always have been.
Cutler and Gross X Debbie Harry presents an exclusive collection of three sunglass styles. This collaboration celebrates the dual artistry of Cutler and Gross and Debbie Harry, designed with a forward-looking vision and created for those as daring as the cultural forces who inspire them.
Shop The Collection
Real List 4 the Realest, by Beth Ditto
Tune in to the latest Cutler and Gross Spotify playlist, curated by singer and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter, Beth Ditto.
Featuring a serious compilation of genre-bending tracks for an eccentric and energetic ambiance. Blurring the Ramones with Bo Diddley and segueing from Grandmaster Flash to the voice of Blondie’s Debbie Harry—this playlist knows what is sharp and considered.
Beth Ditto has been in the spotlight for over two decades and known for her forays in music and popular culture, fronting the American indie rock band Gossip and in news causing commotion with her covers of NME and LOVE magazine.
As a woman orbiting in a genre-agnostic world of music, it feels natural to find friendship and collaboration with Debbie Harry, frontwoman of Blondie, artist who shaped the visual and sonic language of music and the latest figurehead in collaboration with Cutler and Gross. Beth featured on Blondie's track "A Rose by Any Name" from the 2013 album Ghosts of Download and has since gone on to collaborate closely with Harry herself, on interviews and performances alike.
—Beth Ditto, singer and BBC Radio 6 Music presenter
A Letter from Beth:
It is a fact, I will do just about anything for Debbie Harry. She’s the glamourous punk with a sing-song joyful voice. And even punk needs joy!
Debbie was sparkle when I needed it. I didn’t see or hear anyone else like her when I was getting into punk rock. I always loved make up, style, sewing and making things that didn’t align.
Debbie Harry was different. In a rough punk boys world, all grimy and leather, there she was in her T-shirt and tights. She was just—herself. She’s so good at being herself. Seems simple, but it isn’t always.
From Blondie, to solo records and acting, she stands out. And she is kind. So yeah! Here’s some songs that make me think of her! And thank you, Debbie!
Discover Our Spotify