Blondie

Blondie formed in New York City in 1974 from the CBGB scene, built around vocalist Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. They were unique in their willingness to absorb anything — disco, reggae, rap, pop — into a punk framework. Their self-titled debut (1976) was power pop; Parallel Lines (1978) was new wave perfection, producing Heart of Glass and One Way or Another; Eat to the Beat (1979) continued the run. Rapture (1981) was one of the first songs to feature rapping on a number-one single. Harry's combination of punk attitude, pop-art cool, and genuine vocal talent made her one of the defining images of the late 1970s. The band sold over 40 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.