Debbie Harry: Singer, actress. Born on July 1, 1945, in Miami, Florida. She was adopted by Richard and Catherine Harry at the age of three months. Growing up in Hawthorne, New Jersey, Deborah Ann Harry sang in the church choir. She tried college for two years before dropping out and moving to New York City. Harry ended up waiting tables at Max's Kansas City, a popular club that was part of the downtown art and music scene. Harry later joined the Stilettos, a female trio. She met guitarist Chris Stein who became a member of the group. Over time, Stein and Harry became romantically involved. The two started their own band in 1974, which would turn into the world-famous Blondie. The new group played many of the legendary clubs in New York, including CBGB's and Max's Kansas City. Their music was considered to be new wave, a type of rock music inspired by punk and other music styles, such as reggae, ska, and funk. The band's first self-titled album was released in 1976.
(corbis, tfs, Vanity Fair)
