Debbie Harry and Blondie: Picture This

“Time has proven Debbie Harry to be arguably the most potent visual icon in the annals of rock,” writes music photographer Rock (The Rise of David Bowie; Classic Queen) in this vibrant collection of photos of Harry and her band, Blondie. The book gets off to a meandering start with Rock’s musings on “the erotic power of the blonde female persona” and reminiscing of time he spent photographing David Bowie and Lou Reed (themes that continue throughout the book), but the images make up for it. Rock was there at the start of Blondie’s career, shooting the band at New York City’s CBGBs in the 1970s. His work with Harry and Blondie continued for years, resulting in some striking images of the singer and band in both posed and candid shots collected here along with his recollections of various shoots. Those photos make up the bulk of the book, though he closes with images of the band’s 1998 reunion performance at a small club, as well as several recent editorial shots of Harry alone. Rock occasionally offers a photographer’s insight into Harry’s visual appeal and individuality, noting her endearing informality and lack of pretense. Devoted fans of Harry and Blondie will devour this excellent photo collection. (Oct.)