Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie wrote “Heart Of Glass” in 1974 after hearing The Hues Corporation’s disco hit “Rock The Boat.” They rewrote the song multiple times and the version that landed on their third album, Parallel Lines, took inspiration from Kraftwerk, The Bee Gees, and Giorgio Moroder. Their fanbase accused them of selling out because disco was mainstream and their first two albums had a punk and new wave influence. The criticism overlooked the band’s live covers of Gloria Gaynor’s “Honey Bee” at their shows and a performance of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” at the Blitz Benefit in 1978. This eclecticism would make itself known again when the band embraced rap music on their recording of “Rapture” and shout-out to Fab Five Freddy in 1980.
“Heart Of Glass” was Blondie’s big breakthrough moment and it scored them American pop status and a number-one hit in the UK. They were international stars after the success of Parallel Lines which sold millions of copies. “Heart Of Glass” is one of the UK’s biggest-selling singles ever and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015. Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, and Tricky have sampled “Heart Of Glass.” Miley Cyrus and Chet Atkins are two of many artists to cover Blondie’s classic single. In 2019, BLONDIE: VIVIR EN LA HABANA the film about their show in Cuba was released. Chris Stein released his memoir, Under A Rock in June of 2024. Blondie’s 2024 tour of the United States and Canada is underway.
