American singer and songwriter Debbie Harry gained fame as the lead vocalist of the groundbreaking new wave and punk rock band Blondie. Her magnetic stage presence and vocals solidified her as an iconic figure within the punk and new wave movements. Beyond her musical prowess, Harry also became a trendsetter, renowned for her daring and glamorous fashion choices.
Her audacious and unapologetic approach to both music and fashion left an enduring impact on the cultural landscape of the ’70s and ’80s. However, in a recent revelation, the 78-year-old singer disclosed during an interview that she has grappled with a speech defect for a significant portion of her life, which has made her believe that she needs to seek expert medical opinion.
Why does Debbie Harry need speech therapy?
Debbie openly acknowledged her prolonged vocal struggle in a conversation with Amanda Kramer, who directed the 2023 film So Unreal, unveiled during the recent International Film Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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She revealed feeling consistently uncomfortable about the issue, leading her to make the decision to consult with a speech expert. “I am. not so bad with vowels, but I could work on consonants,” Debbie admitted. “I am going to a speech therapist tomorrow. Is anyone here a critic? I am more critical than you, much more.”
The 78-year-old also shared her lack of enthusiasm for the internet, emphasizing that despite the widespread technological advancements, she remains uninterested. “I get it’s a fascination and a toy, but sometimes I find it to be ridiculous,” Debbie explained. “We have different eras where there are different measures of politeness, and the etiquette isn’t there yet.”
Debbie expressed that some might label her indifference as old-fashioned, yet she takes pride in her contentment with that characterization. “We are animals. We smell, we hear, we see, and we feel,” she added. “That’s the part that’s missing. I know it’s part of the progress, and I am an old fart, but I like to feel the heat. I like being an animal.”