Introducing Blondie
Debbie Harry hams it up for the camera.
Alex Q. Arbuckle
1975
Born in Miami in 1945, Debbie Harry grew up in Hawthorne, New Jersey. After two years of college, she moved to New York City and worked as a secretary, dancer, waitress and even a Playboy Bunny.After getting her musical start backing vocals for folk rock band The Wind in the Willows, she formed the Stilettoes with Amanda Jones and Elda Gentile. The group was joined in 1973 by guitarist Chris Stein, who became Harry’s romantic partner.In July 1974, the couple left the band and started their own group, Blondie, a name catcallers sometimes hurdled at the singer. The band, playing a novel mixture of punk rock with reggae and ska influences, became regular performers at clubs like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City (where Harry had previously waitressed).Here, Debbie Harry poses for a photo shoot with photographer Anthony Barboza, ahead of the December 1976 release of Blondie’s eponymous debut album.
I wasn't going to be told by my record company how to look. - Debbie Harry
I don't mind if my skull ends up on a shelf as long as it's got my name on it. - Debbie Harry
My face seems to sell. I can't help that. - Debbie Harry
Visit Premier Exhibitions at 417 5th Avenue to see the past become present again at "Retronaut's New York." This pop-up exhibition of extraordinary, digitally restored photographs captures New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It's only open until May 15, so be sure to get down there before it’s gone.