The home for Songs That Saved Your Life Radio on WKNY 107.9FM where Jami explores the very queer roots of rock n roll and plays a lot of great music!
What started as a catcall became a revolution. Debbie Harry transformed Blondie — and rock & roll — on her own terms.
We're celebrating a birthday as we turn the spotlight on bisexual icon - Debbie Harry of Blondie who turned 80 years young this week.
Debbie Harry is known for her devastatingly cool style and catchy hooks. She helped define the sound of New York’s downtown scene in the late '70s. From the seedy stages of Max’s Kansas City to global superstardom, Harry fused punk, disco, reggae, and hip-hop with a swagger that's been emulated by countless artists who followed in her wake.
In a music industry that still tries to box women in, Debbie Harry blew the box wide open. She sang about desire on her own terms and she carved out space for the weirdos, the outsiders, and the lovers of all genders.
Today, we’ll celebrate her legacy — not just as a front woman, but as a queer icon — playing songs that shaped her, songs she shaped, and music by the artists who stand on her shoulders.
Music in this episode includes songs from Screamin Jay Hawkins, Velvet Underground, Patti Smith, Grandmaster Flash, Madonna, Beth Ditto, Sia and more.
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