Blondie

The original Blondie was formed in 1974 by guitarist Chris Stein and vocalist Debbie Harry. In 1975 drummer Clem Burke and keyboard player Jimmy Destri joined. The band played in and around the New York downtown circuit which generated a considerable following, enabling them in 1976 to record their first album Blondie. The album was released in 1977 and provided them a touring support position next to Iggy Pop and David Bowie.

In 1977 Blondie released their second album, Plastic letters and toured Europe and Asia. In March of 1978 the single 'Denis' hit number one in the U.K. That same year Blondie created the album Parallel lines. The single 'Picture This' made number 12 in the U.K. and the follow-up 'Hanging on the Telephone' hit number one. The success of the band also opened up acting opportunities for Deborah Harry who appeared in film Union City.

In 1979 Blondie had their first number one U.S. hit with 'Heart of glass' which also sold over a million copies in the U.K. The album sold over 20 million copies. The fourth single from Parallel Lines, 'Sunday Girl', also hit number one in the U.K.

In September 1979 the band's fourth album Eat to the beat was released, along with the first ever album length video. Before the year's end, Blondie had its fourth U.K. number one hit with 'Dreaming'. In February 1980 they hit number one in England again with 'Atomic'. Two months later they hit number one in the U.S. a second time with 'Call me', from the film American Gigolo. Before the end of the year, Eat to the beat was certified platinum and Debbie was on The Muppet Show.

The fifth Blondie album, Autoamerican, was released in January and the first single 'The tide is high' made number one in the U.K.. The first reggae-tinged hit, it was number one in the U.S. by March. Debbie appeared on the popular TV show Solid Gold, and soon the album was solid platinum. In August, Debbie released her first solo album, Koo Koo. By 1982 there was dissension in the band, but they still managed to produce a final album The Hunter. The single 'Island of lost souls' was the band's last U.S. hit.

In the meantime, Chris was diagnosed with a rare and often fatal genetic disease, and the band fell apart. Debbie spent the next several years nursing Chris back to health. After the break up Debbie went on to appear in numerous films and plays and to create music in various contexts. Jimmy left music to focus on his family, Chris produced various bands in New York whilst Clem continued to record and tour with top acts.

In 1999, the band reformed, without Harrison and Infante, and in the U.K., achieved a number 1 single, 'Maria', and a number 3 album, No Exit.

Countdown Appearances

• 18th February 1979, episode 181 – 'In the flesh' and 'Heart of glass' clips shown.
• 24th June 1979, episode 199 – 'Heart of glass' clip shown.
• 8th March 1980, episode 275 – interview with Blondie and 'Rapture' clip shown.
• 31st August 1980, episode 255 – 'Ring of fire' clip shown.
• 13th December 1980, episode 269 – 'The tide is high' is shown.
• 29th March 1981, episode 278 – 'Rapture' clip shown.
• 27th June 1982, episode 334 – Blondie interview and 'Island of lost souls' clip shown