When discussing musicians or bands known for internal conflicts, names like Fleetwood Mac, The Police, and even The Beatles often come to mind. However, Blondie rarely gets the same attention, primarily because Debbie Harry and Chris Stein were seen as a dynamic duo in the music world. Yet, like any band that commands the spotlight, Blondie was not immune to friction, especially during the creation of their iconic hit, “Call Me.”
Blondie’s Unique Place in Rock History
Blondie was more than just another post-punk rock band fronted by a female lead; Debbie Harry redefined what it meant to blend rock aggression with feminine strength. In an era filled with traditional gender roles and expectations, Harry’s presence created a compelling mix of conformity and rebellion. Despite her success, Harry often faced objectification from fans, the media, and even her peers, with her musical talents sometimes taking a backseat to her image. However, her partnership with Chris Stein was a rare example of a musical collaboration that worked seamlessly, even if it wasn’t always fully understood by outsiders.
The Creation of “Call Me”
In 1980, Giorgio Moroder, the legendary music producer, was tasked with creating the soundtrack for American Gigolo. Recognizing Blondie’s potential, he secured the band for the project after noticing they had some downtime following the release of their 1979 album, Eat To The Beat. The result was “Call Me,” a track born from Harry’s interpretation of the film’s atmosphere. “When I was writing it, I pictured the opening scene, driving on the coast of California,” Harry explained.
Despite the song’s monumental success, the behind-the-scenes dynamics were far from smooth. The creative process was marred by intense conflicts within the band, leading Moroder to reconsider future collaborations with rock musicians. “There were always fights,” he recalled in an interview with Billboard. “I was supposed to do an album with them after that. We went to the studio, and the guitarist was fighting with the keyboard player. I called their manager and quit.”
The Success and Legacy of “Call Me”
Thankfully, the internal conflicts didn’t overshadow the success of Blondie’s “Call Me”. The song became a massive hit, with Debbie Harry becoming the first woman to achieve three number-one hits on the British charts. Moroder, who knew the track would be a success from the moment he heard it, was thrilled with its performance. Despite the tensions, he remained enthusiastic about the song’s impact, as Harry noted in her book, Face It: “[He] was very enthusiastic and jumping for joy. He had so many hits by then, but this one was important for him, being in the film industry as well.”
The ripple effect of “Call Me” extended beyond the music charts, contributing to the success of American Gigolo and solidifying Blondie’s place in music history. Even the visual aesthetics of the film, with its beautiful greys, blues, and browns, seemed to complement the song’s success perfectly, further enhancing its legacy.
