Debbie Harry

Who better to school a bunch of toddlers on the principles of going punk than Deborah Harry, the legendary lead singer of Blondie? Given the generation gap, these kids have no appreciation for the greatness sitting before them, but that's what makes this group discussion (or peanut butter belly fest) all the more amusing. From "pooping on stage" to the meaning of love and life, Deb breaks it down for us all... (Thanks, Nancita!)

I'm holding myself from bursting out with some bad "Rapture" rappin', because this week's Bella Donna is the fabulous Debbie Harry. Of course, you probably know her better as Blondie, the name of her band that nonetheless has become her nickname. One of the 20th century's iconic blondes, her '70s platinum hair was punky but accessible—much like her band's music.

Before leaping to fame as Blondie's lead singer, Debbie was a waitress, a dancer and even a Playboy Bunny. But as the front of Blondie, she lept to fame with hits such as "One Way or Another," "The Tide is High," and "Heart of Glass." To see a photo gallery of Ms. Harry, read more

Last I checked in with Debbie Harry, the former Blondie front woman was performing on the "Today Show" with Lily Allen. Apparently, she's also been working on a new album, called Necessary Evil and coming out September 25. If this song "Two Times Blue" is any indication, Harry still has a firm understanding of girl power, even if she's old enough to have Kirsten Dunst will play her in an upcoming biopic.

The synth-heavy song is the opposite of a jilted-lover ballad; my favorite line: "You can call me Miss Calculation." Though I love the lyrics and the '80s-tinged verses, the soaring arcade-noise chorus is a bit much. Listen and tell me what you think when you read more

I used to have a theory that girls who grew up in the '80s identified with either the punk style of Blondie's Debbie Harry or the slick sexiness of Madonna. Now, the two are colliding in an intriguing way: Madonna's 1985 comedy Desperately Seeking Susan is being made into a musical featuring the songs of Blondie. The project is set to premiere this fall in London.

No, Madonna won't be a part of it (an actress named Emma Williams will play the role of Susan, while Kelly Price will take on Rosanna Arquette's character, Roberta) — but Debbie Harry will be all over it. According to Playbill, "One Way or Another" and "The Tide is High" will be among the Blondie songs woven into the show, and Harry is writing a new song for the production.

Until I reread the plot summary, I didn't realize Roberta's last name was Glass — so I guess that explains how "Heart of Glass" will fit in. In case you've forgotten how the movie goes, here's Playbill's summary:

Roberta Glass, a suburban New Jersey housewife, escapes her humdrum life by reading the personal ads placed by Susan, a street-smart New York City drifter, and her freewheeling boyfriend Jay. Through a quirky twist of fate, Roberta and Susan unexpectedly swap lives and are plunged into a madcap world of jewel heists, magic shows and rock 'n' roll.

A musical theater version of this story certainly has the potential to be awful, but it's such a weird concept that I think it could turn out awesome. What do you think?

Desperately Seeking Susan photo Source
Debbie Harry photo Source