The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com.
Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history!
JULY 1: Happy birthday to Debbie Harry! Deborah Harry, born July 1, 1945 in Miami, Florida, is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and actress best known as the frontwoman of Blondie. Raised in New Jersey, Harry initially worked as a secretary, go-go dancer, and Playboy Bunny before finding her true calling in music. In 1974, she co-founded Blondie with guitarist Chris Stein, blending punk, new wave, and pop into a distinctive sound.
With her striking platinum blonde hair, edgy style, and magnetic stage presence, Harry became a trailblazing female figure in rock. Blondie soared to global fame with hits like “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me,” “Atomic,” and “Rapture,” the latter being one of the first mainstream songs to feature rap. Their music helped define the late '70s and early '80s, and Harry’s cool, rebellious persona influenced countless artists.
Beyond Blondie, Harry pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as KooKoo and collaborating with a wide range of musicians. She also acted in films like Videodrome and Hairspray. Despite struggles, including Stein’s illness, Harry remained dedicated to her art. Blondie reunited in the late ’90s, enjoying renewed success. Today, Deborah Harry stands as a pioneering figure whose fearless creativity continues to inspire generations.
JULY 9: Happy birthday to Jim Kerr! The Scottish singer-songwriter is best known as the frontman of the influential rock band Simple Minds. Born on July 9, 1959, in Glasgow, Kerr co-founded Simple Minds in 1977 with guitarist Charlie Burchill. The band initially emerged from the post-punk scene but soon developed a sweeping, atmospheric sound that helped define the 1980s. Kerr’s passionate, soaring vocals became the hallmark of hits like “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” “Alive and Kicking,” and “Belfast Child.”
Simple Minds achieved global fame, particularly after “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” was featured in the 1985 film The Breakfast Club, cementing their place in pop culture. Kerr’s charismatic stage presence and thoughtful lyrics, often exploring themes of politics and human connection, contributed to the band’s enduring appeal. Over the decades, he has guided Simple Minds through numerous lineup changes and musical evolutions, keeping their sound fresh while staying true to their anthemic roots.
Beyond music, Kerr has been vocal about political issues and briefly ran a hotel in Sicily. Despite changes in the industry, he continues to tour and record, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his craft. Today, Jim Kerr remains one of rock’s most distinctive voices and an icon of 80s music.
Photo: Manfred Menken [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en]
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