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Band Timeline
1974
Formation of Blondie and Early Lineup
Blondie was formed in New York City in 1974 by singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. Initially called Angel and the Snake, the band was soon renamed Blondie by October 1974. The original lineup included Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Billy O'Connor on drums, Fred Smith on bass, and Ivan Kral on guitar. The name Blondie was inspired by catcalls to Harry. This new band emerged from the mid-1970s New York music scene and was influenced by burgeoning new wave and punk sounds.
1975
Solidifying Lineup and Early Performances
By 1975, the band underwent some lineup changes. Drummer Billy O'Connor left the music business, and Fred Smith departed to join Television, while Ivan Kral eventually joined the Patti Smith Group. Chris Stein and Debbie Harry continued to develop Blondie, recruiting drummer Clem Burke and bassist Gary Valentine. Keyboardist Jimmy Destri joined later in the year. The band became regulars at New York clubs Max's Kansas City and CBGB, venues integral to the punk and new wave scenes, building their underground following through energetic performances.
1976
Debut Album and Early Releases
Blondie released their first single, 'X-Offender', in June 1976 and followed with their self-titled debut album Blondie in December 1976 through Private Stock Records. Although the album did not achieve commercial success initially, it established Blondie's eclectic sound blending punk and new wave. They toured extensively alongside Television and attracted attention within the underground music scene. These formative releases laid the foundation for their later breakthrough.
1977
Signing with Chrysalis and Lineup Change
In 1977, Blondie bought back their contract from Private Stock and signed with British label Chrysalis Records, which helped broaden their reach, especially in the UK and Australia. In July, bassist Gary Valentine left to start his own band and was replaced by Frank Infante. The band continued to tour and refined their sound, setting the stage for their major commercial success the following year. During this period, Blondie gained experience opening for notable acts such as David Bowie and Iggy Pop.
1978
Breakthrough with Parallel Lines Album
Blondie's third album, Parallel Lines, released in 1978, marked their commercial breakthrough and critical acclaim, particularly in the US. It featured a blend of new wave, punk, disco, and pop elements, producing major hits like 'Heart of Glass' which reached number one on US charts. The album showcased Blondie's eclectic style and helped the band achieve mainstream success, cementing their place in the late 1970s American music scene.
1979-1980
Continued Success with Hit Singles
Following the success of Parallel Lines, Blondie released a string of hit singles over the next two years including 'One Way or Another', 'Dreaming', 'Call Me', 'Atomic', 'The Tide Is High', and 'Rapture'. Multiple songs topped US charts, reinforcing the band's reputation for an innovative fusion of disco, pop, reggae, funk, and early hip hop. This era established Blondie as one of the most dynamic and eclectic bands in contemporary music.
1982
Release of The Hunter and Band Disbandment
In 1982, Blondie released their sixth studio album, The Hunter. Despite the band's continued creativity, the album did not reach the commercial heights of their earlier work. Shortly after this release, Blondie disbanded. Following the breakup, Debbie Harry pursued a solo career, while taking time off to care for Chris Stein, who was diagnosed with pemphigus, a rare autoimmune skin disease. This marked the end of Blondie's first major period as a band.
1997
Reformation and Renewed Success
Blondie re-formed in 1997 after a 15-year hiatus. The band members reunited and began performing and recording again, reigniting interest from fans and new audiences alike. This reformation led to new recordings and tours, marking a successful comeback for the band and a chance to continue their influential presence in the music world.
1999
Hit Single 'Maria' and UK Chart Success
In 1999, Blondie achieved their sixth UK number one single with 'Maria', exactly 20 years after their first UK number one hit 'Heart of Glass'. This success demonstrated the band's enduring appeal and ability to produce popular music across decades. The single helped reaffirm Blondie's relevance in contemporary music and broadened their international acclaim during their second active period.
2006
Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Blondie's influence and success were formally recognized in 2006 when the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This accolade honored their pioneering work in new wave music, their commercial achievements, and their impact on popular music and culture. The induction solidified Blondie's legacy as one of the seminal American bands of the 1970s and beyond.
2017
Release of Eleventh Studio Album 'Pollinator'
On May 5, 2017, Blondie released their eleventh studio album, Pollinator. This album continued to showcase Blondie's eclectic musical style and commitment to evolving their sound. The release reaffirmed the band's ongoing creative vitality decades after their formation. Pollinator was well-received by fans and critics and contributed to the band's sustained significance in the contemporary music scene.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Leigh Foxx
N/A
Clem Burke
1997
Chris Stein
1974
Matt Katz‐Bohen
2008
Tommy Kessler
2010
Deborah Harry
1974
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Frank Infante
1977
1982
Paul Carbonara
1997
2010
Guitar
Billy O’Connor
1974
1975
Nigel Harrison
1978
1982
Jimmy Destri
1975
1982
Jimmy Destri
1997
2004
Gary Valentine
1975
1977
Clem Burke
1974
1982
Fred Smith
1974
1975
Ivan Král
1974
1974
Story of Blondie
Blondie: The New Wave Pioneers Who Conquered the Charts
Blondie, the iconic American rock band, burst onto the scene in New York City in 1974, spearheaded by the charismatic singer Debbie Harry and the masterful guitarist Chris Stein. They were early adopters of the nascent New Wave sound, carving their own path within the burgeoning American punk scene.
Their debut albums showcased a raw energy, blending punk and new wave influences, and while they quickly gained a passionate fanbase in the UK and Australia, Blondie remained somewhat under the radar in their home country. This changed with their 1978 release, Parallel Lines. This critically acclaimed masterpiece catapulted them to international fame, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with.
The next two years saw Blondie unleashing a string of chart-topping hits. "Heart of Glass" (US No. 1), "One Way or Another," "Dreaming," "Call Me" (US No. 1), "Atomic," "The Tide Is High" (US No. 1), and "Rapture" (US No. 1) dominated airwaves and solidified their status as musical titans. Blondie's eclectic sound, seamlessly blending disco, pop, reggae, funk, and early hip-hop influences, set them apart and captivated audiences worldwide.
After a remarkable run, Blondie disbanded in 1982 following the release of their sixth studio album, The Hunter. Their legacy as musical innovators and chart-topping superstars endures, cementing their place as one of the most influential and beloved bands of all time.
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