RobDeManc (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

@ihasch Compared to Blondie Madonna is very diluted.

RobDeManc (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I reckon Blondie were the highest point in the history of pop music. The music industry has never had such a ready made sellable package since.

terribletimmusic (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

yes...terribletim was here.

ihasch (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Btw I would change the wording of that first comment. I don't think that Madonna intentionally marketing sexuality in a deliberately exploitative song she did not write (Like a Virgin), is admirable or strong. It reflects instead a willingness to be exploited to get ahead. I do think that Harry, without intending it, helped to break down certain barriers as to how women could perform. That doesn't mean predecessors were "weak", but that there were limits. Harry is the iconic star of that era.

ihasch (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

@xreddragonx-Harry was not intentionally trying to make a feminist statement, but that's how it was interpreted and the role of women in music was an issue that came up very early in press about Blondie. The difference was recognized rightly or not. A long subject. I not a Madonna fan either but she marketed herself in the same role that DH had played a few years before-the blonde sex symbol, and at times the overlap was blatant (eg, the wedding dress routine). People see the direct influence.

xreddragonx (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

@ihasch So were all female singers were "weak" and "sexually dependent" before Debbie harry? I don't think she was trying to make a feminist statement as much as being herself--she was a fun, edgy and sexy lady. Madonna was an over the top attention whore, who albeit made a few catchy tunes early on, was more of a product than an artist. I've heard Madonna reference Iggy Pop as influence too, but that doesn't make them similar.

ihasch (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

@xreddragonx-They were from different eras. But there is a perception-and to her credit, something Madonna has admitted, albeit a little belatedly-that the role Madonna played, of the strong, sexually independent woman in music, a role we may take for granted now, was a role first played by Debbie Harry and that Harry was a direct influence on the persona Madonna (and subsequent women performers) developed. It's a question of due credit and the fact that Harry is not properly appreciated.

1971SuperLead (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I hope Debbie has found happiness in her middle years.

xreddragonx (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

What's with all the Madonna comparisons? Different styles of music, different levels of talent, different levels of class, hardly even the same era. About all they have in common is that they're blonde.

melissacook17 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

@willieraye Nice