When it comes to rock autobiographies, some musicians have had lives full of fantastic adventures but can’t write their way out of a paper bag. Others are eloquent wordsmiths with dull personal histories that aren’t worth reading about. The best of both worlds aligns in Debbie Harry’s fascinating new memoir, Face It (Dey Street). With the help of co-writer Sylvie Simmons, the pop vocalist insightfully recounts her evolution from working as a Playboy Bunny and waitress at Max’s Kansas City to her success as lead singer of Blondie and a photographic muse for Andy Warhol, and her bold attempts to mix hip-hop and jazz into her music.

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Debbie Harry (Photo by Chris Stein)

Meanwhile, Blondie guitarist Chris Stein’s 2018 photo book, Point of View: Me, New York City and the Punk Scene, provides an atmospheric and evocative visual accompaniment to Harry’s stories about interacting with The Ramones, John Waters, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Chic and H.R. Giger. The duo discuss their books with moderator Rob Roth.

Aratani Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St., downtown; Fri., Oct. 4, 8 p.m.; $20-$100. (213) 628-2725, livetalksla.org/events/debbie-harry.

 

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