Chi Chi (Dog)

Debbie Harry had a Japanese Chin dog named Chi Chi in the 1990s. Harry and Chi Chi are seen here on the rooftop of her apartment in 1993. Photo credit: Ian Davies.

Kesuki and Jupiter (Dog)

As of 2023, Debbie Harry continues her tradition by having two Japanese Chin dogs. Their names are Kesuki and Jupiter.

I don’t want to sound like an old lady with dogs. They are funny, though. You get entertainment value with pets. When you have more than one, they work as a collective. I had a herd of cats when we lived on the Bowery.

Debbie Harry, The New York Times, September 2019

Cats (Cat)

Debbie Harry had a “herd” of cats when living in the Bowery in New York City. Harry’s memoir tells the story of how her cat heard saved her life by waking her up as her apartment filled with carbon monoxide from a leaky boiler.

Blondie (With an E) (Dog)

Blondie is the name of lead singer Debbie Harry’s band. Arguably one of the most influential bands of the 20th century, Blondie nearly got changed again when they discovered they shared their name with Adolf Hitler’s favorite dog.

Debbie Harry

Birthday

July 1, 1945 (78)

Debbie Harry is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, best known as the lead vocalist of the band Blondie. Her music career took flight with Blondie in 1974 in New York City, with the band’s debut album hitting the market in 1976. The group gained significant attention with their albums, including “Parallel Lines,” which included the hit single “Heart of Glass.” Blondie had four songs reach No. 1 on the US charts between 1979 and 1981. Harry also released several solo albums, including “KooKoo” (1981), “Rockbird” (1986), “Def, Dumb & Blonde” (1989), “Debravation” (1993), and “Necessary Evil” (2007)​​.

Harry’s career has been marked by numerous collaborations with other musicians. For example, she was featured on Moby’s 2006 track “New York, New York,” which reached number 10 on the US Dance charts. She also collaborated with various artists on the non-album single “#Liftemup” in 2019. Her contribution to other artists’ work is extensive, including providing backing vocals on Bill Withers’ album ‘Bout Love in 1978, featured vocals on the Hairspray soundtrack in 1988, and co-lead vocals with Nick Cave on “The Breaking Hands” in 2012. Most recently, she featured on Dolly Parton’s 2023 song “Heart of Glass.”

Throughout her career, Harry has earned several awards and distinctions. In 2014, she and Chris Stein won the Honorary Clio Award. She also won the Stinker Award for Worst Supporting Actress for her role in “Deuces Wild” in 2002. Additionally, she received nominations for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song – Motion Picture for “Call Me” from “American Gigolo” in 1981 and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female for “Hairspray” in 1989​3​.