Chris Stein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chris Stein
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Stein at SXSW in 2014
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Christopher Stein |
| Born | January 5, 1950 Brooklyn, New York, US |
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| Years active | 1970s–present |
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Christopher Stein (born January 5, 1950) is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the co-founder and guitarist of the famous band Blondie. This band became very popular for its "new wave" music. Chris Stein also worked on the music for the hip hop film Wild Style. He is also a talented photographer.
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Music Career: The Story of Blondie
In 1973, Chris Stein became the guitarist for a band called the Stillettoes. There, he met Debbie Harry, who was one of the singers. In 1974, Chris, Debbie, and some other band members decided to start their own group. They eventually named it Blondie.
Blondie quickly became a big part of the music scene in New York City. They played at famous clubs like CBGB and Max's Kansas City. By the end of the 1970s, Blondie became famous all over the world.
The band broke up in 1982. But they got back together in 1997 and have been playing music ever since. Chris Stein wrote the Blondie song "Sunday Girl" by himself. He also wrote many hit songs with Debbie Harry. These include "Heart of Glass", "Dreaming", and "Rapture". Chris also ran his own music label, Animal Records, from 1982 to 1984.
In 2015, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein appeared on a show called Songify the News. They worked with The Gregory Brothers. They even made a funny song about the 2016 United States presidential debates.
Photography and Writing: Beyond the Guitar
Chris Stein is also a well-known photographer. He took many pictures of the early punk music scene in New York City. He also captured the unique look of Debbie Harry and Blondie. Chris worked with famous artists like Andy Warhol and H.R. Giger.
In September 2014, Chris Stein's photography book was published. It was called Chris Stein / Negative: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk. Chris also took photos for Punk magazine between 1976 and 1979. He often used the magazine to help promote Blondie.
His book Negative was launched with a special art show in New York City. This show also celebrated 40 years since Blondie was formed. There was another exhibition at Somerset House in London. Some of Chris's photos from Negative were also in an earlier book. This book was called Making Tracks: The Rise of Blondie.
Chris Stein's photos have been shown in other art shows too. One was in West Hollywood in 2013. Another was a joint show with Eddie Duggan in 2017. His photos were also displayed in a Blondie 'pop-up' shop in London in 2017.
A second book of Chris's photos came out in 2023. It is called H.R. Giger: Debbie Harry Metamorphosis. This book shows how Chris, Debbie Harry, and H.R. Giger worked together. They created the visual style for Debbie Harry's 1981 solo album.
Chris Stein also wrote a memoir about his life. It is called Under a Rock. This book was published in June 2024.
Personal Life
Chris Stein was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 5, 1950. He grew up in the Midwood area of Brooklyn. He went to Midwood High School but was asked to leave because of his long hair.
From 1978 to 1982, Chris Stein co-hosted a TV show called TV Party. It was a public-access cable TV show in New York City.
In 1983, Chris was diagnosed with a rare skin condition called pemphigus vulgaris. His partner at the time, Debbie Harry, helped care for him. He has since recovered well. Chris had a mild form of the condition and managed it with medicine.
Chris Stein and Debbie Harry were close friends and musical partners in Blondie. They continued to work together professionally even after their personal relationship ended in 1985. In 1999, Chris married actress Barbara Sicuranza. They have two daughters together.
Since 2019, Chris Stein has not toured with Blondie due to heart issues. However, he is still an active member of the band. He is also a major contributor to Blondie's upcoming album.
See also
In Spanish: Chris Stein para niños
- List of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees
