Joan Jett: Blondie:: Female Legends of Rock

Debbie Harry of Blondie and Joan Jett of the Runaways. The early years. These woman didn't know it at the time this picture was taken, but they were about to become groundbreaking female artists that  revolutionized the music industry and pioneered the way for other female artists to make good on their rock and roll dreams. Both women are still going strong until this day. Joan is now 51 years old, and has less body fat then you can find in a cube of tofu. She comes on stage today, with her leather pants, full on rocker attitude, and she can still tear down the house.  She is less edgy today then she was portrayed in the 80's, possibly because she felt back then she still had something to prove. She is now a legend; and a down to earth one at that. Joan Jett and the Runaways have seen a surge in popularity due to the movie that has come out starring Kristin Stewart and Dakota Fanning. Joan worked on the set of the movie along with original runaways bandmate, Cherie Curry, and together, they both helped bring the movie to production.




Debbie and Joan Jett
Circa 1978



You Tube video of the Original Runaways: Joan Jett on bass, Cherie Curry on vocals, Sandy West on drums, Lita Ford on guitar

Debbie Harry, from "Heart of Glass" video, 1978

(What an awesome dress!)



Rockbird was Debbie's first solo album following the breakup of Blondie in 1982. Debbie left the band and felt at the time that a solo career would serve  her better.  Blondie came out of the school that was the pre-punk, post-glam, New York club scene of the late 1970's. Others that came from that era were the Ramones, New York Dolls, Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground,(pretty much credited as the pioneers of the punk rock movement), and the like.

Debbie is also associated with what was called the "new wave" era of the 1980's. 1981's "Rapture" had a very long and funky rap segment in it and 1984's "The Tide is High" had a poppy Hawaiian feel to it. Debbie was unafraid to dabble in different genres. Blondie and Debbie broke up and reunited several times over the years. They have recently regenerated and were inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2006.

Debbie and Iggy

Debbie with Iggy Pop (note the timeless classic Wayfarer sunglasses!!!)