We’ve SUNG ALONG to This 80s #1 for Years & Now Find OUT it’s About a MALE HOOKER?-Professor of Rock
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- Опубліковано 27 жов 2023
- It was the biggest song of 1980, by a band that defied all classification. Blondie. I mean you just couldn’t put this band in a box. With connections to new wave, rock, punk, disco, reggae, and r&b, you never knew what you were going to get with Blondie. Versatile and experimental, they were musical chameleons. So it’s no surprise that they jumped at the chance to try something new when the opportunity came knocking… Even if they were the 2nd choice...the chance to headline a movie soundtrack with a completely new sound. Call Me became a 6-week #1 smash. Enter an eccentric Italian producer named Giorgio Moroder who worked tirelessly; to write the perfect song for this band… only Blondie's phenomenal front-woman Deborah Harry liked the music but re-wrote the lyrics on the fly after watching a rough cut of this movie. As you’ll find out, the song was better than the movie. In the end, though, the song was put on the soundtrack and not this band’s new album denying them millions of album sales... Find out why NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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#classicrock #80smusic #vinylstory #blondie
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you have ever sworn out loud in frustration when reading Rolling Stone’s best singer, guitarist or bands lists that they put out every so often you’ll dig this channel of musical nostalgia… Subscribe below right now. I promise that you are going to love this channel. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history. Today we are covering one of the most successful acts of the late 70s and early 80s… Blondie. In past episodes, we’ve given you the stories behind some of their biggest hits, including Heart of Glass, One Way or Another, and Rapture. But this time around we are dialing up an absolute monster… their 1980 hit single Call Me.
So in 1982, Blondie producer Mike Chapman made a bold claim about his third project with the band: 1980’s Autoamerican. Said Chapman, “While we were making Eat To the Beat, I felt [Blondie was] something like the new Beatles, because they came up with these extraordinary ideas, so many hits. By the time we came to make Autoamerican, I guess it was their Sgt. Pepper, because it's a very unusual album, a collection of a million different styles.”
A Sgt. Pepper comparison is a strong assertion for any band to make. Remember when Terrence Trent Darby compared himself to them it pretty much killed his career. But bold or not, Chapman’s comments underscore an important truth about Blondie. This band was eclectic and they freely crossed so-called genre boundaries. Although Blondie formed as far back as 1974, their classic line-up wouldn’t coalesce until 1978. The six-piece outfit consisted of vocalist Debbie Harry, guitarist Chris Stein, drummer Clem Burke, bassist Gary Valentine, keyboardist Jimmy Destri, bassist Nigel Harrison, and guitarist Frank Infante Blondie was never gun-shy about experimenting with a broad spectrum of styles. Innovation was in their DNA. One of the most important and influential bands of the new wave movement, their sound readily incorporated elements of punk, rock, disco, reggae, hip-hop, and rap… - Розваги
Poll: Who is your pick for the GREATEST FEMALE Singer of the 80s?
I'm a dedicated Debbie Gibson guy, but I absolutely LOVE Jeanette Jurado from Exposé!!! The timber of her voice when she sings in her higher register makes me ferment into grape wine! 😅 Also, can't forget the GOAT in most peoples' minds, the late, great WHITNEY HOUSTON!!! There will never be another Whitney. She really was the greatest of the greats!
Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics. Unbeatable vocal range and amazing live.
Stevie Nicks
Truly hard pick, many great singers that I didn't like their music but can still appreciate their talent. So for me to pick one I liked and could hear her quality..... Annie Lennox
@@Ganja-jh6iy I didn't know he was a woman.
I met Debbie twice years ago and once at an art show thing in the Village and no one seemed to recognize her and there were only 25 -35 people there . I said Hi, and just smiled to let her know I wasn't going to annoy her or be a fan boy . And she started talking to me ...she was so sweet and down to earth . when i met her later , she remembered me after I mentioned that art show . she said , OH HEY , ITS YOU ! Yes, I was on cloud nine
I love Blondie.
I met Deborah Harry just once; Plaza Sound Studios, NYC, 1976, during the recording of her first album. I walked into this studio one evening and Deborah Harry was at the control board with Richard Gottehrer and Rob Freeman; and they were working on the 'mix' of a song called-'In The Flesh'. She did say 'hello'. I was there because my brother's band was recording in there at the time. I'm pretty sure she would not remember me, but that song! One of the best, underrated, pop songs, imho.
I took my daughter to see Blondie performing in Dallas Tx. I think she was 50 years old at the time. She really put on a great concert and her voice was still strong. The next day I came across some a-hole DJ’s mocking her weight gain. (Mind you, the woman still looked amazing) I remember being so incensed at how heartless they were in fat shaming her and basically all women who at the age of 50 are no longer a size 4. Sorry I got off topic but she deserved better than that. Thank you for your video.
I thought you meant your daughter was 50. BTW, Blondie is the band. Deborah Harry is the singer.
@@pazza4555 oh that’s right! Thanks
Some people are into water buffalo. Most aren't.
@@bugwar5545 You just got to know how to marinate and cook it right, the prep is the key to tasty flesh.
Women are never forgiven for aging. She's always gonna look amazing. She's a stunning woman
I love the solution to get the song by recording off the radio, an art lost over the years. I spent countless hours with my finger on the Rec button in hopes of catching the start of songs I wanted while simultaneously praying that the DJ wouldn't talk over the intro or outro of the song and ruin it. Today's kids will never know the elation of getting a clean recording with no DJ banter.
That's why I started listening to the classical music station. The DJs never tried to sing along to Vivaldi.
Yes!!!!
Our local FM rock station played entire albums at ten or eleven in the late 70s/early 80s. I recorded many of them in full, no DJs voices. They quit doing that after a while (not profitable).
I used to use my non-standard cassette player/recorder (made by Sears) to do the same, when WABC (NYC) would play their top songs for the week…fun days!
EXCELLENT 👍🏼 Great, I Wasn't The Only one ! 😂😅😊🤟🏼
I love Blondie. When I was a kid I was totally enchanted by Deborah Harry. Her voice, her style- she's just the coolest. ❤
I was in junior high then. I liked them too.
late 70's early 80's was an amazing time in music.
Never knew it was about a male hooker. That just caused me to go back in time. I helped a male hooker once 3 decades ago. He was a drug addict and I believe he had AIDS. Anyway, I was neither and he and I weren't friends but he was a friend of a friend and he had my number in case he ever wanted to turn his life around. One night, he called me, in the middle of the night, during a trick in Hollywood, and I drove him to a shelter that helps people get off of drugs. Never heard from him again. Wonder if he made it. But either way, suddenly the words: Call me (call me) on the line Call me, call me any, anytime Call me (call me) I'll arrive ring differently in my mind.
Gere's character would be more accurately described as a gigolo rather that a male prostitute, as his character didn't solicit homosexual encounters.
My mom wanted to throw me out of the house in 1979 when I was 14, because I was obsessed with Heart of Glass and played it on a continuous loop every day! 😊
Once you played a record and it was a gas
Turned out mom thought it was a pain in the ass.
My brother did the same with: P.I.L. -this is not a love song. 🎉
I saw Debra Harry on TV recently. Unlike so many of her peers, her voice is still in great form.
Probably doesn't drink alcohol very much.
Blondie's "Call Me" was the first record I ever got! I was 8 years old and I won the 45" Call Me vinyl from a bubble gum contest! I was so excited! I played that record on repeat. I still love that song and Blondie!
I've known for decades that this song was about a male hooker. It came from the movie American Gigolo. What I DIDN'T know until recently is that there's an 8 minute version of the song on the soundtrack, and it's AWESOME!
With a lot more lyrics as I recall
That's what I was thinking. Who didn't know?
yeah, i knew from day one what it was about was the 'doctor' not paying attention?
@@Craig_Narramoore Gen Z I guess. Viewers under 25.
Richard Gere's full frontal scene was the first nude man I had ever seen....I think I was maybe 11 or 12. Clearly, I was not well supervised as a child...😅
Love that you called out Rolling Stone. What at one time was THE rock go to has become a joke, along with the HOF. Keep the great videos coming.
...being someone who collected "RS" since 1987 (The Bangles cover was my 1st, but I cut it up (for the Photos of the Girls) ), and the next issue (Jon Bon Jovi), I started collecting, religiously.....now, I WANT MY MONEY BACK!
It's embarrassing. Frankly, I think Jann owes the world an apology. I'm beyond wanting an explanation, a simple apology will do.
Thanks! Will do!
No kidding.
They ruined Rolling Stone when they made it more political and we didn't that because Main Stream Media was pushing that to the hilt.
She is so iconic and even years later I still can listen to Blondie for hours.
Dreaming and rush rush are 2 of the lesser known blondie favourites of mine.
yup -- one of the first vinyl 45s I bought was of Blondie's "Call Me"; still have it somewhere here, I think amongst my 2-3K vinyl records
@NatandGeorge at least you've got them. I gave mine away in the 90's. Such a fool.
@@zumizm1 dreaming was not lesser known,
I worked in a bar in New York where I met Debra decades ago. She had a Sexy/CLASSY demeanor, the kind that's incredible to behold. I've known/met many icons and celebrities and Mrs. Harry always had class. I had never been star struck before meeting her. After meeting her, she validated my childhood crush.
Around 10 years ago I was at a thrift store in the UES of Manhattan looking through old vinyl albums while my girlfriend looked at jackets on a hungover Sunday after brunch. Above the vinyl stacks was a rack of handbags. This lady looking at the bags turned to one of the thrift store staff to tell her a bag had no price tag. I recognized the voice but couldn’t place it. I looked up and it was Debby Harry. I made a dumb joke about the vinyl section not having any of her albums and she said “well that’s good”. I proceeded to stumble through niceties, shook her hand and when it got awkward, I walked away. She looked fantastic for her age.
@@cactaceousshe grew cynical in her age, but then again, I can't imagine being her in her life and not growing into that actually she had so many distractions being a female rock star with gorgeous looks, i can't imagine her outlook changing
Bob Seger hands down! A Most underrated performer.
BLONDIE & The Cars proved to me in my pre-teens that a good band can play many many different styles. I might not like all their songs but can still celebrate the ones I do. Helped me listen to any music I liked and not care what other kids thought, opened me up to Motown, Jazz, Folk, Country and even Classical as well as Rock& Roll. Never forget "Rapture" opened me up to rap before it was even heard of in my small town.
THanks!
No doubt
I’m the same way. I’m probably the only kid in my school who devoutly listens to Blondie, The Cars, The Talking Heads, literally any band out there from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s while my friends just blast out Taylor Swift, Doja Cat and Harry Styles.
Don't forget Pat Benetar.
You have great taste, kid! 😎
I was 13 when the song was released and it got a lot of airplay. I associate that song with skating and BMX bicycling because that was what I was into, and I rode all over town without worrying about criminals or suspicious people. It was a great time to grow up. It was one of my first introduction to New Wave even though bands like The Cars and Talking Heads had already popularized that genre a few years before this song.
The great thing about Blondie is that no matter if the song was punk, rock or rap, it all worked, it sounded like Blondie. They could sing/play it all, and they're great live!
Agreed! So versatile!
Not really. Kind of a one trick pony.
That wasn't "rap".
@@riproar11 Well, that "rap"-sure drove my friend Mark - a huge and intensely dedicated Blondie fan - to permanently close his ears to the band in disgust. (OTOH, he hadn't spoken very highly of their Tide song, either...)
@@Frankie5Angels150with 4 number one singles? Explain...
I just realized watching this that Richard Gere covered both side of the prostitute story. He was a male one in American Gigolo and he try to buy one in Pretty Woman.
BLONDIE was a shot in the arm for American mainstream music, in a time when it was really needing one. Everything cool you've ever seen, Miss Deborah Harry did first...she's effortlessly iconic.
Agree. I love Blondie.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 She also did Rapture, which was groundbreaking for it's time.
*its time
And yes, it was in the rap genre.
@@knoahbody69
I think Blondie is the best American rock band ever ! Every song is different in style !
Yes. They are an amazing group.
@@riobabic8960
‘Roll me in designer sheets’ is one of the great lyrics of the ‘80’s.
Blondie was definitely one of the primary music pioneers of the 80s movement.
Way back in the '70'S.
@@KayEl58 Yup, "Heart of Glass" was a #1 song in '78.
I graduated from high school in 1980, and during my senior year, there was a guy at my school who ALWAYS played this song on his boombox in the hallways. I practically heard it in my sleep!
Very cool!
One of the teachers at my school remembers this song from when she graduated! It seemed like the perfect sendoff song for graduating seniors in 1980.
Class of 80 too! We had some great music.
Class of 80 here also!!
Class Of 80 in the HOUSE!! Peace 🕊️☮️
Debbie Harry is a true icon!
That said, imo Moroder is on the next level beyond that! His music defined the 80's
....AND, the coolest....yet, HOTTEST chick in Rock! ....and it's all DOCUMENTED! ...Lucky her.... ; ) ....
Amen!
She is!!! 👸
My first favorite band. And she was my first crush at age 10.
There will never be another band like Blondie. So versatile, so amazing talented, ever changing and the sexiest front woman of all time.
Indeed!
I have to disagree, in my opinion Pat Benatar was the sexiest.
@@stevenwoodward5923 each to their own. Pat Benatar is amazing, but I don’t find her sexy at all.
Pat and Debbie are both insanely talented. I'll add Joan Jett to the list of iconic, kick ass women of 80s rock.
@DelphineDenton Agreed.
As a woman, I can agree that all are sexy, even though I myself am not attracted to them.
I certainly understand those that are.
💞🤣💞
I’ve loved Blondie since 1981!! I was12 the first time I heard Call Me on the radio and became a Forever Fan!! As I got older and realized they had SO MANY OTHER HITS (to me)!! Besides Call Me, they had Sunday Girl, Hanging On the Telephone, Dreaming, Atomic and these alone were the hits from the 70s! To this day… I get a little sad that I never made it to CBGBs to see a show. Now, it’s a fricking SHOE STORE! What a way to treat a HISTORICAL LANDMARK!
I love the Trainspottin version of Atomic, it's a rawer higher energy version, but Blondie are one of the greatest groups to have existed
American Gigolo was a major success at the theaters back in 1980 and mostly got positive reviews from critics. It also cemented Richard Gere as leading man. Yes, the song “Call Me” likely is somewhat better known today then the movie but the film was hardly a forgettable film though a film about a male prostitute falsely accused of murder isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea.
The film is one of Paul Schrader's biggest successes as a writer/director (with "Taxi Driver" being his most acclaimed and best known, as writer only).
It also boosted recognition of former model Lauren Hutton, and remains her best-known and most acclaimed film to date.
And "Gigolo" launched two Giorgios on the U.S. scene: Giorgio Moroder, who wrote the music for "Call Me" and the soundtrack, and whp would go on to write other hits for U.S. film soundtracks ("Electric Dreams"), and Giorgio Armani, who was barely known in the U.S. before his clothes appeared on Richard Gere's body in the film. The film was a success. And Giorgio Armani's suits were a smashing success in the U.S. making Armani THE suit label of the 80s (he would also provide the iconic clothes for "Miami Vice").
"American Gigolo" also heralded the dawn of the glitzy, materialistic, hedonistic, designer clothing obsessed, yuppie 80s.
I'm still trying to figure out how it made it to the muppets!! :)
Yeah, was attending high school at the time and and don't remember "American Gigolo" being forgettable--heck, seemed it was something approaching a borderline hit. Definitely not a bomb
Hey Professor
GREAT video.
Always loved Blondie. Fabulous group. Lived in Brooklyn, NY at that time. They were a great hit back then.
Great music, songs, superb vocals by Debbie.
One thing that stood out to me but, I thought was under rated, was Clem Burke's drumming. Always thought he was a house afire every time he hit the skins. Quite often he was the spokesman for the group on radio shows. A true leader on the stage as well. To me, he may have been the most under rated drummer of the Rock era.
I adore Blondie for this exact reason - you never know what to expect. And even if you already heard their songs, they still are a surprise on a replay.
I saw Blondie in August 2023. I am glad I had the opportunity to see this legendary band.
I have good memories of Debbie Harry singing Call Me on the Muppet Show. 😊
Rainbow Connection was sweet, too.
WOW! What did they open with?
@ProfessorofRock One Way Or Another. The photograph is on my community page.
Sounds like I need to find that episode of Muppets.
Awesome!@@catherine6653
@@BigSkippy1263 It's on UA-cam.
Not a secret considering the movie it was for...
Yup.
True
Agreed.
The title alone, American Gigolo, practically gives away the meaning of "Call Me" lol
Yeah, I was gonna say....
As a "Key Grip" during the music video hey days of the early to mid nineties when budgets were skyrocketing, squeezed between all the Chaos, was a video with Blondie in the early 90s. My personal experience with the band was awesome. Remember this was over 10 years past their prime, yet they were such a good band and Debbie's vocal range was still incredible. She was so nice and approachable the whole time. With 700 music videos in my career, that one certainly stands out.
Debbie Harry was a phenomenon. I don't think any of it would have worked without her. Mesmerizing beauty and a totally unique voice and style. Plop 1980 Debbie in 2023 and it entire package would work.
Agreed, there was no Blondie without Debbie Harry
Never watched the movie...but definitely loved the song! Blondie was in a league of their own...so very authentic in what they put together!
You should watch it.😎
I love Blondie and this story was great to hear. That being said, I also wanted to thank you for having Anita Baker on your vinyl rack. I feel that she has always been an underrated artist/vocalist. While she had a fair share of success, I feel she deserved a lot more attention/affection than she received.
Anita's voice is a once in a lifetime voice.
I don't know what radio stations you were listening to, but the ones I listened to played Anita Baker on repeat. I got tired of her, she got so much airplay. I can listen to her now and appreciate her voice. But back then, I just got sick of her.
@@ginabadhorse688Absolutely ❤
They passed over a lot of great talent. But Missy is in the Hall.😔😳😩
* UA-cam "Underrated" Comment Award 🎉
You are the modern Paul Harvey of the history of Music. I'm expecting you to say " and now you know...The REST of the song" at the end of the stories! Lol Love your channel and thank you so much for all your hard work to bring the background stories to us.
Lmao, who is Paul Harvey?
You surely don't expect anyone born after 1980 to know do you.
@@rickvann3489 Lol you're SO right! Sorry about that! He was really popular in the "Old World"! Lol
Paul Harvey... good day! :)
"Page Two!" That's when You knew what You were about to hear was "Worth The Salute!" With Apologies to AC/DC.😂😏🎤📻🎼🎵🎶🎸🎹🥁B.W.
... don't apologize... You said "modern" Paul Harvey ... so it's pretty clear the original was from days gone by.
Maybe younger folks will go searching for Paul Harvey on UA-cam and he'll get some new fans because you mentioned him here.
Absolutely, bands should include songs on their albums that were recorded for motion picture soundtracks. Hands down!
The first first 45 I ever bought. I was 12! It’s still one of my all time favorite songs. It’s as great as the first time I heard it. I never knew about Giorgio Moroder’s involvement but it totally makes sense. I Feel Love is another genius song I absolutely love. Great video!!!
There was a lot to choose from but I've got 2. Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins has an absolutely angelic voice, and Kate Bush was the most adventurous of all.
Love "Call Me"-I'm glad it was the biggest hit of 1980!
Well deserved.
I got to see Blondie in Phoenix, Az. back in their Hey Days 1979
Iconic band, iconic singer. Thank you.
Call Me is my favourite Blondie song because it feels like a rock song. A mate of mine would actually headbang to this and Atomic just to wind up the Mods and Punks
Love all of those!
"Call Me" always made me feel like this Super Hot Woman was telling "ME" to Call Her.😍🤩
The song absolutely kills!
NGL, it slaps.
I loved watching Blondie at CBGBs in their early years.
Fascinating as always Professor...Blondie was a true 80's treasure...and so talented and so loved!!❤
I recall that time in music. So much good tunage. I, as a loyal AT40 countdown listener, wrote down all the songs / positions and i rooted so hard for Call Me. When it made it's 6 week run i was super pumped for Blondie!
I remember wondering why is it NOT included on AutoAmerican when it came out. I'd bought the 45 rpm - in my small town with just the blue with white stripes and chrysalis sleeve. It'd be a few years later when I'd get my hands on a copy of the picture sleeve version.
I think the hit should've been included on the artist next album. But... in most cases, the hit IS included on the BEST OF releases.
I was kinda surprised you didn't touch on Rush Rush on the Scarface soundtrack. Or the fact that "For Your Eyes Only" was a contender for the 007 Bond flick that Sheena Easton won out on.
Deborah Harry grew up and graduated from the same high school in Hawthorne, NJ. that I went to. I remember driving down the shore and listening to the Tide is High over and over. Samantha Fox recently did a cover of Call Me that is actually very, very good.
It would blow my mind if say someone was livin in the sticks and still recording off the radio.
I'm from the UK but now live in the US & I remember I first heard Blondie back in 78 when I lived in the UK, the song was "Denis" & I've loved Blondie ever since.
Me too. Loved her from then on
I never knew this song was written for that movie...I will always associate Morodor with the soundtrack for the movie "Cat People", one of my absolute favorite movies! And David Bowie's song "Putting Out the Fire" is an awesome song!!! Both movie and song are very under appreciated and never talked about....
I'll talk about it with you. I loved the movie "Cat People" and Bowie's song, "Putting Out Fire." That movie was cool and also scary. I was still a teen when it came out. .... But, yeah, Bowie's vocals, the first time he sings, "with gasoline......" dragging it out, it sends chills all over my body. ❤Just a year or so later I saw Bowie for the first time at his "Serious Moonlight" tour and spent a ton of money to get 10th row at Madison Square Garden. I miss Bowie so much.
@@BeYounique...Maryanne I was 10 when the movie came out, so I didn't see it until I was probably 11 and became obsessed with it! I absolutely adore black leopards because of that movie! And Bowie's song still sends chills through me!!
@@KattMurr That's so awesome. Black leopards sure are gorgeous. And Nastassja Kinski was great in the movie too. I loved her short haircut. It's a rainy day here in New Jersey today, so it might be a great day to watch it again.
@@BeYounique...Maryanne I totally agree! It's a rainy day here in New York, so I may do the same as I haven't watched the movie in a couple years...
@@KattMurr Enjoy! Great to chat with a "neighbor" on the East Coast!
Blondie is a legend. Call me was the go to in radio play. :)
My best friend and I just happened to be in Honolulu on vacation in March 1980, when all the navies of the world ended up there after President Reagan was sworn in. The town was on fire! We thought it was always that crazy! Every disco was playing this song, the Bee Gee's and "Brick in the Wall" as we danced our hearts out. Great memories.
Call me, Atomic,, Dreaming = perfect👏🤙
I like all of Blondie's music even going back to the punk days at CBGB's particularly X Offender.
Very cool!
The Talking Heads started out in there too.
Debbie Harry always brought the vocals that just made you want to sing along such a great range and beautiful tones!! I agree that it should have been on that album but... many a band has said they did it and were moving on to other things so... Thanks for the memories Professor!!
Well said!
She could do anything - rock, reggae fusion, disco.
I love Blondie’s music and I graduated in the 70’s.
Oh man! The back seat of my Pontiac with my high school crush while Blondie belted away...classical conditioning for every time I hear the song decades later...
Hats off to Debbie Harry and Blonde from the CBGBs punk scene to international stardom. I love the scene in the movie where Richard is laying out his designer suit and getting ready for his "date" with Call Me jamming in the background. Great breakdown professor. My favorite Blonde song is still Dreaming, love those drums!
My Name! How are ya?
Dreaming is definitely in my top 3 Blondie songs. Clem "machine gun" Burke!
@@ProfessorofRock doing great,! Hate when I don't see your videos when they first drop, I hope life is treating you well, Have a fantastic weekend!
Mine would have to be The Hardest Part.
Also love Dreaming. Funny, Clem Burke is convinced the song would have been a much bigger hit without the drums as they ended up. Apparently, he was doing a run-through of the song, and they told him to just go crazy on the drums and he did, not knowing that they were actually recording him. Personally, I think the Keith Moon-ish drums are what makes the song.
I remember the first time I heard "Call Me' on the radio. It was instantly recognizable yet new, one of those songs that always should have been. Perfect in time and place. A Classic.
Another song that hit me the same way was also a soundtrack single which was intentionally not put on the subsequent artist's album: "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds. For me, a part of the magic of songs like these is that they are truly singular, lightning-in-a-bottle moments that shine brighter because of their isolation in the artists' repertoire. The expense and of buying a pricey soundtrack LP for just one song (often a slightly longer, non-edited version than the single) blew, but for songs this great I'd have to suck it up. Record companies were my introduction to the downsides of mass-market capitalism lol!
Loved Richard Gere in the movie. Thanks for the memory
Yet another song that I didn't realise was originally written for a movie. The meaning makes a whole lot more sense with that context in mind, though!
Ha ha!
American Gigolo. I haven’t seen the movie yet.
Loved Blondie! Debbie Harry was my first crush growing up. What an awesome chick and band!! How much influence has this eclectic band had on musical generes and style throughout their career and beyond!
Also... STILL have a crush on Debbie!!❤️🔥
I'm so excited you're doing more Blondie!!!
Awesome!
My pick for the GREATEST FEMALE singer of the 1980’s, I can’t pick just one, but my picks would be (in no particular order) Annie Lennox, Janet Jackson, Whitney Huston, and Stevie Nicks. But if I had to choose JUST ONE that summed up the 1980’s it would definitely be Madonna!!! She was and still is the QUEEN of pop!
Another great band , even though they get forgotten was MISSING PERSONS
An under-appreciated band that is for sure but can confirm that even young Punks like me and my friends liked them ... and, being young boys, we were entranced by Debbie herself :)
How could you not be?
There was just no taking your eyes off her exclamation point
One of my youthful memories was listening to my dear first hubby (who was younger than me) in a lively debate with his group of mates over the relative value of Blondies Debbie Harry vs the Pretenders Chrissie Hynde. After a sometime crude debate, Debbie wound up at the top for looks, Chrissie for vocal talent. But the discussion was hilarious. 👍👍👍🤷♀️🤷♀️
@@playnicechannel :grins: It is for sure that the correct conclusion was reached there :) Chrissie definitely had a 'take me to bed' voice whilst Debbie had a distinct 'take me to bed' smile.
@@dallassukerkin6878 This is an internet acceptable version of their conclusion. Cheers
The movie is called "American Gigolo", so......
Such a great life for the band
♥️🥂♥️
One of my favorite bands from that era
Your channel is great... reminds me of a longer form of how Wolfgang Jack use to introduce the top 40s number 1
Wow, thanks!
Wolfman Jack, bro, but yeah, you're right.
You mean, Wolfman Jack? I’ve definitely researched his work.
We had HBO in 1981 and I remember American Gigalo. That was Big Time at 13 years old lol Ive always loved Blondie since Heart of Glass in '79 they always seemed to surprise and stay fresh.
Great song!
I have to watch the movie.
OMG! That performance on Sesame Street jogged my childhood memories. Woah, I remember her hairdo & that appearance. Crazy.
Thnks for the background on this song. I never knew that.
I was only 2 years old when this song came out in 1980. However, I actually remember hearing the song often (as well as "Don't stand so close to me" by the police).
I've never seen the film but I've always loved the song! Knowing what it's about will give me something new to listen for. Blondie was one of the bands that kept the music going during a time when so much in music was changing. You always deliver! Thanks
This was a great episode! I love what you do! And this is one of my favorite songs, so really enjoyed this.
Glad you enjoyed it!
VERY MUCH SO! I wrote a very long comment on your recent video about Another Brick In The Wall Part 2... I hope you had a chance to read it, as i went into detail about how much I truly appreciate your channel, and the extensive effort you make in each video you post! Thank you for doing what you do!
Not a Blonde fan, won't change the radio but that's it.
Never bought a soundtrack ever.
Great job Adam, I do enjoy listening to music history from the Professor.
love all the rock lore and legend ive picked up listening to the stories you tell in these videos. keep up the great work
Having worked at a professional recording studio back in the 80s, and having to deal with record labels we would run into label weirdness. Some of the labels would come up with some of the most paranoid excuses in fear of competition beating them. The factor that came to mind about Call me not being on both the album and the sound track has two factors that comes to mind.
1: If both the band's album and the soundtrack had the song it would split the sales thus (in both record labels view) splitting the sales numbers between the two labels would hurt the sales on both labels. Yes it sounds crazy but the studio I worked at encountered ego and sales paranoia.
2: The messiness of who gets the credit when the royalty checks and publishing rights start coming. Yes Debbie Harry and Giorgio Moroder are credited with writing the song, but record labels always seem to want a piece of the action $$ depending on the fine print on the recording and label contract. The labels we worked with often drove us crazy.
So...which album was Call Me going to appear on? AutoAmerican? Eat to the Beat?
I always liked Blondie once I heard Call Me. My friend, who had older sisters, liked the more punk earlier works but Call Me was the first song that really drew me in. I loved Rapture but The Tide Is High soured me on them for a long, long time. I liked War Child and Orchid Club from The Hunter. Never a big fan but I've always been a fan since Call Me.
Wow, that small montage where you played the other songs in the running for song of the year in 1980 brought back memories. It was the time I still listened to radio on a regular basis. Such a great time for radio.
Call Me was also done by In This Moment. It's a great cover.
BTW professor. Call Me was available on the Best of Blondie vinyl which was released a year and a half later in October 1981. It was available on 45 and the soundtrack until then.
As far as your comment about whether to release it on an album it really depends on the song and the bands sound at the time. Call Me wasn't a bit change from their heart of glass sound but I don't think it wouldn't have really fit in with the Auto American sound. Besides it also gave them more sales of the Best of Blondie vinyl.
I couldn't stand The Tide is High as it didn't rock at all.
Professor, thank you for this one. Blonde was ahead of their time… even now.
Thanks for this video Adam. I never knew the background story of this song. It's a great song!
American Gigolo (1980) is a fantastic film, if anyone out here hasn’t seen it. It’s not the uplifting Hollywood escort movie starring Richard Gere and Hector Elizondo, that’s Pretty Woman, this is much more er, gritty. If you like DePalma or Fincher movies but haven’t seen it, give it a watch. I saw it in the theatre at 8 years old. Yes, my Uncle wasn’t actually aware what “gigolo” meant, he thought it was a comedy. Not so much, but it’s a great film.
Richard Gere is so beautiful and pouty in this.
I remember when the movie "American Gigalo" came out, but I was too young to see it, at least as far as my parents were concerned! The song, however, was all over the airwaves. You certainly couldn't get away from it. I did learn what a gigalo was though!
Ha ha! Didn't we all!
I mean, it was the #1 song of 1980! I’m sure it was ubiquitous.
This is a great song. I love it. Great memories. Thank you.
This song was a staple of my 8th grade roller skating nights. Outside of "Call me," I had no idea what DH was singing, but it didn't stop me from singing "Call me hot line call me calm me any day or time, call me... " at the top of my fool lungs.
Excellent episode!! One of my favorite Blondie songs. And Moroder is the coolness. Please keep doing more like this: post punk, alt, slightly less mainstream stuff!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
You call this "less mainstream?" Six weeks at Billboard #1? Number 1 in the UK and Canada, too? Top 10 in just about every European country?
What exactly would you consider to be MORE mainstream?
@@phoenixshade3 Wasn’t saying this Blondie song isn’t mainstream, Einstein. It was a huge hit. Was simply asking for stories about less mainstream music. Shouldn’t have to explain this, but your reading comprehension sucks.
I love Blondie's music. I had no idea of the backstory to this one.
In terms of my rating '80's female vocalists I think Pat Benetar was classically trained so probably has some of the best technique but in terms of favourites I don't really pick them, I just enjoy the work of many people without trying to straitjacket it.
Well, before Blondie, we had Lou Reed singing about Holly from Miami FLA, and the Kinks singing about Lola. So big whoop. But between Blondie, the Cars, and the Talking Heads, late 70s music really got a kick in the pants as their music was discovered down to small town USA. And thank goodness...we needed something to get out of the decade that brought us gems like "Muskrat Love." UGH. The horror.
Great doesn't scratch the surface of my appreciation of your channel. Music from my childhood, arguably the most eclectic sounds of past century, receive a deep dive analysis, loaded with tidbits of valuable information simmering in the background. And in many of these analyses, interviews with the artists that performed the music that became my heartbeat. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!
I'm happy they didn't include Call Me on AutoAmerican, it was a strong album without it, and it was included on their Best Of album released the following year which probably contributed to the sales numbers of that album. Great to see another Blondie episode on the POR, they will always be my favourite band.
I was in my teens when Call Me came out, and I knew it was in the movie American Gigolo. From the beginning, I believe it was from the POV of Richard Gere’s character.
I had no idea as a kid singing it!
That gives the song a whole new meaning.
@@ProfessorofRockI’m sure your parents didn’t allow you watch the movie at that time. 😂 I finally watched it myself a few years ago. It was a crummy movie. Yes, as a teenager I had the 45.
I can still remember back in the seventies when I was 12 13 years old the first time I heard that song call me. I was watching Don Kirshner's Rock concert. Blondie and her group were on that show singing that song live. I'm sure those old enough to remember know about Don kirshner's Rock concert
Great job!
Thank you! 🙏
It's also impossible to overstate the cultural importance of The Muppet Show, at least in its original incarnation. Debbie Harry's appearance on that show is one of the highlight episodes forever burned into my brain, long before the DVD release of the series.
,Cree Indian Activist and Singer-Songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie was a regular cast member of Sesame Street and also appeared on the Muppets Show.
A American Icon, Joan Baez made an appearance early on The Muppets Show.
Joan Baez' distinctive soprano voice had a 3 octave range from D3 to A# 5 she has had a 40 year career. She lost her voice due primarily to over use. A film, "I Am The Noise" chronicals Joan Baez's life and music. It premiered at The Film Forum and Joan was in attendance for a Q & A.
Buffy Sainte-Marie is in fact WHITE. She has no indigenous native american blood. She was born in Stoneham, Mass, USA of european descent with white parents and a white full brother. She is a fraud and used her false native american blood claim for fame and attention. She is in fact a horrible person. When her brother and family were interviewed back in the early 70’s, they correctly told the truth about her background. Then Buffy had attorneys threaten her FAMILY to keep quiet. She is a fraud.
NGL, I love their diversity. The tackled every genre beautifully. Also, Debby Harry's cameo in Mother Goose Rock N Rhyme is the best!
Her voice is magic.
Amazing episode
Agree 100% that a band's soundtrack song should go on their own album. Many soundtracks have an eclectic array of diverse music (instrumental and lyrical) and often mix genres and styles.
I'd want the band's genre and style for a whole album. I think the most successful soundtracks are those with the same genre and style...not sure though.
I remember the studio had a difficult time getting American Gigolo rated for general release. In it, in a pretty far away shot, with the light really only filtering in between the slats of lowered blinds, Richard Gere turns around at one point, displaying exactly why he was so sought after as a lover in the movie.
With the recent rise in the amount of p*rn available due to the nascent home video market, the MPAA had recently announced they would no longer be rating that kind of movie. Because of this, the studio had trouble getting a rating that would allow regular theaters to show the movie. Because the shot was important in establishing Gere's character, they director were able to edit it to limit the on-screen appearance of the offending member to a short enough time for the ratings board to let the movie squeak by with a hard R rating.
The reason I know all this is because, around that time, my father, who was always an early-adopter, had bought us a VCR. Because of this, we were able to watch movies at home that we would never had paid to go to a theater to see. They were very expensive to own then, but Dad had a connection in his favorite video store that supplied him with bootleg copies of everything.
With the ability to see so many movies at home, I became fascinated with all things Hollywood. Secretly, I was able to watch a lot of movies an innocent15 yo at that time should not have been watching (very different times back then). Richard Gere showed me the first real male appendage I had ever seen in American Gigolo. I have to admit that I watched that movie quite a few times back then, so I have a very specific memory of Call Me. Even though I'm an pretty open-minded, experienced adult, it still makes me feel a just a tiny bit embarrassed even now when I hear that song. 😅
I can relate. I watched it on cable in elementary school and for awhile I wanted to be a gigolo.
@@mperezmcfinn2511 That's hilarious! 🤣
Oh wow. Did not know that about "American Gigolo." I only saw it on TV, some time in the mid 80s, I think, so obviously it was a TV edit version.
Interesting how just a little over 10 years later, the male member would come to be seen on theater screens in some hit independent films of the 90s, such as "The Crying Game" (where it was a pivotal scene) and "The Piano" (such long, lingering scenes of Harvey Keitel in his birthday suit!).
Oh I forgot about the mid-1980s hit British film "A Room with a View"!
In the swimming scene, which lasts several minutes, actors Julian Sands (R.I.P.), Rupert Graves, and Simon Callow disrobe and engage in some horseplay both in and out of the pond, in all their naked glory.
It was shown on TV in the late? 80s, without the nudity being edited out.
@Irisarc1 For about a week, maybe?
Loved Blondie before “Call Me.” However, the combination of the song, Richard Gere and those Armani suits…I was a devoted fan forever after of the both afterwards!! Who can resist either? 😎🎶