In many ways, Blondie were the odd band out in the heady days of CBGB-era New York City. They didn't have the art school motif of bands like Television and Talking Heads, or the brute force of the Ramones or Dead Boys.

And yet, they ultimately became the most commercially successful group to emerge from that scene. They did it with a unique vision of rock and roll which drew on aspects of both those elements while embracing a love for the sounds of '60s girl groups, garage bands and British Invasion rock and roll. Throw that all in the blender along with some killer songs, dynamic playing and the wit and charm of Debbie Harry at the front, and you have Blondie.

From their self-titled debut through 1980's game-changing Autoamerican album, Blondie were consistently evolving and adding colors to their palate as they defined their distinct style. At their peak, they blurred the lines between rock, reggae, punk, disco and even rap with hit singles such as "Heart of Glass," "Rapture" and "The Tide Is High." Following 1982's The Hunter, the band dissolved for a variety of reasons, including the health issues facing guitarist Chris Stein.

Happily, it turns out that wasn't the end of the story. Instead, Blondie has enjoyed a very productive and creatively rewarding second chapter. The original lineup, sans bassist Gary Valentine, reunited in 1999 and have soldiered on in one form or another ever since, touring and recording new material – including 2017's Pollinator.

 

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