Debbie Gibson-Musician
Top of the Charts with "Foolish Beat", Guinness record holder for being the youngest artist to produce, write, and perform a #1 song
Interview with Debbie Gibson-July 13, 2012
picture found at debbiegibsonofficial.com/photo-album/2011-promotional-photos, by Troy Smith
picture found at debbiegibsonofficial.com/photo-album/2011-promotional-photos, by Troy Smith
We are so pleased today to have singer, writer, actor, philanthropist, and Guinness Record Holder, Debbie Gibson with us at the 88 project. We all know and admire her from the body of outstanding work she has gifted us with for the past 25 years. She has made platinum albums, starred in countless Broadway musicals (Les Mis, Cabaret, Chicago, Grease, etc), appeared on TV touchstones like Celebrity Apprentice, riveted us with B movie awesomeness in the SyFy movies; “Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus” and “Mega Python and v Gatoroid” (with “rival” Tiffany), plus she has loaned her compassion to a number of charities including Children International, Make a Wish, and Pediatric AIDS research. In 1988 she became the youngest female artist to write, produce, and perform a #1 song; “Foolish Beat”.
She was 17 years old and her songs could be heard in every Walkman of my classmates at Henderson Elementary. In fact, I still remember the first time I ever heard her music. I was getting a ride to Cheyenne All City Children’s Chorus with my friend Ashley, whose dad was a teacher at the school. While we waited for him to finish up for the day, she, or one of the other girls who was riding with us, put a Debbie Gibson tape in the player on his counter. It was “Out of the Blue”. I think I remember that I had to pretend not to like it (because I was an 11 year old boy, and I think we were supposed to like hairbands), but I know that I really thought it was pretty great. So much so, that it still headlines my lectures on “1980′s culture” in history class and was just featured in our Economics lesson on supply and demand.
But I digress. 1988 also saw the rise of what could accurately be called Debbie Gibson mania. One might question who made the round brimmed hat more famous in 88, Debbie or Bono? Bono had his duster (as also made popular by John Cusack), but many resources say that Debbie may claim hold on long jean shorts, scrunchies, vests, keds, and double watches. Don’t believe me? Go and buy boxed sets of DVDs of every late 80′s and early 90′s sitcom that had a teenage girl in their casts. We are looking at you Blossom! Debbie also graduated high school in 1988, which prompted People Magazine to print a senior farewell latter from Merrick, NY by Steve Dougherty and Gavin Moses. How many other high school seniors get to have cut day because they are on tour for their #1 album? Plus, she got to open the World Series between the Dodgers and the A’s with the National Anthem. You all remember the Game 1 Kirk Gibson Miracle homer ( I know my brother does, because he is an A’s Fan)? One may ask if it was not a coincidence that having Debbie Gibson there inspired the other Gibson to come off the DL and make baseball history. After all, Bob Costas did say at the beginning of the game,”So the Dodgers brought in Debbie Gibson, now if only they had Kirk Gibson.” We are so excited that Debbie Gibson has agreed to join us to talk about 1988. Welcome Ms Gibson to the 1988 film project.
1988 Project: What do you remember about 1988 overall? (personally, politically, professionally, music, art,etc) What stands out for you?
Debbie Gibson: For me it was about my music and touring! I graduated high school and was thrilled to not have to think about anything but my career. Keith Herring art, Gauthier and Versace clothing, I was not politically involved at that time at all. I was in a naive bubble. Also, Wham, Madonna and MTV.
1988 Project: Rolling Stone Magazine put out a list of the 25 greatest teen idol break out moments. Right there in the magazine with The Beatles, The Monkees, The Jackson 5, Elvis, and Sinatra, is “Debbie Gibson in 1988″. How does it make you feel to know that your music is seen to be as influential as The Beatles in music history? More importantly, does that kind of notoriety and pressure carry with it a down side? Also (between me and the readers, does that make you feel like you won the 80′s superwar against Tiffany?)
Debbie Gibson: LOL! Nah! It is amazing company to be in, though I wouldn’t compare me to The Beatles. What I would say is that my success – which had to do with many people and many elements coming together – helped inspire young people and oiled the machine for the resurgence of teen acts in the 90′s. I never felt any pressure.
1988 Project: If you could go back to 1988 and change something, would you and what would it be?
Debbie Gibson: Not a thing!
1988 Project: If you were to define the sound of 1988 (with artists like you, George Michael, Rick Astley, Whitney and Michael dominating the charts) how would you? On that note, when Grunge music and Nirvana shifted the style in the early 90′s, did you ever consider fronting a Grunge band?
Debbie Gibson: No grunge for me! In fact I migrated to Broadway. I defined the era as melodic pop.
1988 Project: We are in a time when the charts and radio airplay spots are awash with the music of teen guys and ladies. How would you say that the music and the industry compares to what you were doing at 16 and 17 in 1988, and what advice would you give to them? What advice do you wish someone had given you?
Debbie Gibson: They have no idea how easy they have it with the Internet and auto tune. Though with that comes great pressure too, as their every move is being watched. My advice is don’t skip steps and pay your dues. And train! Lots of young singers are having vocal chord surgery.
1988 Project: Was it more nerve wracking to see “Foolish Beat” hit #1 or to sing the National Anthem at Game 1 of the World Series?
Debbie Gibson: Anthem
1988 Project: The Lightning fun round: It is 1988, you are listening music in the studio. The song you don’t mind hearing over and over is___________________________
A. George Michael’s “Faith”
B. Whitney Houston “I get so Emotional”
C. Beach Boys “Kokomo”
D. Debbie Gibson “Foolish Beat”
E. Bobby McFerrin “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
F. Guns N Roses “Sweet Child of Mine”
G. None of the above, I preferred to listen to __________________________________
Debbie Gibson: Faith
1988 Project: It is 1988, you want to catch a movie. What are you most likely to watch out of the top 10 movies that year?
a. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
b. Rain Man
c. Cocktail
d. Big
e. Twins
f. Crocodile Dundee II
g. Naked Gun
h. Beetlejuice
i. Coming to America
j. None of the above, I preferred to watch______________________________________
Debbie Gibson: Rain Main
1988 Project: It is 1988, you have downtime from touring. You were most likely to read____________
a. a Tom Clancy book
b. Stephen Hawking’s “A Brief History of Time”
c. Stephen King’s “The Tommy Knockers”
d. Tom Wolfe’s “Bonfire of the Vanities”
e. None of the above, I was reading ______________________________________________
Debbie Gibson: None of the above – I was writing songs!
1988 Project: It is 1988, you manage to catch some TV …would it most likely be?
a. Roseanne
b. The Cosby Show
c. Cheers
d. The Wonder Years
e. None of the above I was watching ______________________________________________
Debbie Gibson: The Wonder Years
1988 Project: Ok, the bonus round. You have now worked with Corey Feldman on Katy Perry’s Video and Deal or No Deal, any future Feldman-Gibson movie projects in the works?
Debbie Gibson: Cute question, but no.
1988 Project: What are you working on currently?
Debbie Gibson: New music and a book.
1988 Project: Would you like to add anything about the charities you are working with?
Debbie Gibson: Gibson Girl Foundation is my baby. I started it after seeing a need for arts funding but decided to go the route of providing individual support for talented but in need kids. Children International provides basic needs for kids in developing nations. I have seen first hand what sponsorship does and it takes a child with diminishing hope and gives them the backbone they need in the area of health and well being to pursue happiness.
1988 Project: Debbie, you turned 18 in 1988. Do you remember anything about the Presidential race that year, seeing as you could now vote?
Debbie Gibson: I was a Reagan fan and actually got to meet Ronald and Nancy numerous times and represent youth in their “Just Say No” campaign.
1988 Project: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Debbie Gibson: Thank you!
She was 17 years old and her songs could be heard in every Walkman of my classmates at Henderson Elementary. In fact, I still remember the first time I ever heard her music. I was getting a ride to Cheyenne All City Children’s Chorus with my friend Ashley, whose dad was a teacher at the school. While we waited for him to finish up for the day, she, or one of the other girls who was riding with us, put a Debbie Gibson tape in the player on his counter. It was “Out of the Blue”. I think I remember that I had to pretend not to like it (because I was an 11 year old boy, and I think we were supposed to like hairbands), but I know that I really thought it was pretty great. So much so, that it still headlines my lectures on “1980′s culture” in history class and was just featured in our Economics lesson on supply and demand.
But I digress. 1988 also saw the rise of what could accurately be called Debbie Gibson mania. One might question who made the round brimmed hat more famous in 88, Debbie or Bono? Bono had his duster (as also made popular by John Cusack), but many resources say that Debbie may claim hold on long jean shorts, scrunchies, vests, keds, and double watches. Don’t believe me? Go and buy boxed sets of DVDs of every late 80′s and early 90′s sitcom that had a teenage girl in their casts. We are looking at you Blossom! Debbie also graduated high school in 1988, which prompted People Magazine to print a senior farewell latter from Merrick, NY by Steve Dougherty and Gavin Moses. How many other high school seniors get to have cut day because they are on tour for their #1 album? Plus, she got to open the World Series between the Dodgers and the A’s with the National Anthem. You all remember the Game 1 Kirk Gibson Miracle homer ( I know my brother does, because he is an A’s Fan)? One may ask if it was not a coincidence that having Debbie Gibson there inspired the other Gibson to come off the DL and make baseball history. After all, Bob Costas did say at the beginning of the game,”So the Dodgers brought in Debbie Gibson, now if only they had Kirk Gibson.” We are so excited that Debbie Gibson has agreed to join us to talk about 1988. Welcome Ms Gibson to the 1988 film project.
1988 Project: What do you remember about 1988 overall? (personally, politically, professionally, music, art,etc) What stands out for you?
Debbie Gibson: For me it was about my music and touring! I graduated high school and was thrilled to not have to think about anything but my career. Keith Herring art, Gauthier and Versace clothing, I was not politically involved at that time at all. I was in a naive bubble. Also, Wham, Madonna and MTV.
1988 Project: Rolling Stone Magazine put out a list of the 25 greatest teen idol break out moments. Right there in the magazine with The Beatles, The Monkees, The Jackson 5, Elvis, and Sinatra, is “Debbie Gibson in 1988″. How does it make you feel to know that your music is seen to be as influential as The Beatles in music history? More importantly, does that kind of notoriety and pressure carry with it a down side? Also (between me and the readers, does that make you feel like you won the 80′s superwar against Tiffany?)
Debbie Gibson: LOL! Nah! It is amazing company to be in, though I wouldn’t compare me to The Beatles. What I would say is that my success – which had to do with many people and many elements coming together – helped inspire young people and oiled the machine for the resurgence of teen acts in the 90′s. I never felt any pressure.
1988 Project: If you could go back to 1988 and change something, would you and what would it be?
Debbie Gibson: Not a thing!
1988 Project: If you were to define the sound of 1988 (with artists like you, George Michael, Rick Astley, Whitney and Michael dominating the charts) how would you? On that note, when Grunge music and Nirvana shifted the style in the early 90′s, did you ever consider fronting a Grunge band?
Debbie Gibson: No grunge for me! In fact I migrated to Broadway. I defined the era as melodic pop.
1988 Project: We are in a time when the charts and radio airplay spots are awash with the music of teen guys and ladies. How would you say that the music and the industry compares to what you were doing at 16 and 17 in 1988, and what advice would you give to them? What advice do you wish someone had given you?
Debbie Gibson: They have no idea how easy they have it with the Internet and auto tune. Though with that comes great pressure too, as their every move is being watched. My advice is don’t skip steps and pay your dues. And train! Lots of young singers are having vocal chord surgery.
1988 Project: Was it more nerve wracking to see “Foolish Beat” hit #1 or to sing the National Anthem at Game 1 of the World Series?
Debbie Gibson: Anthem
1988 Project: The Lightning fun round: It is 1988, you are listening music in the studio. The song you don’t mind hearing over and over is___________________________
A. George Michael’s “Faith”
B. Whitney Houston “I get so Emotional”
C. Beach Boys “Kokomo”
D. Debbie Gibson “Foolish Beat”
E. Bobby McFerrin “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
F. Guns N Roses “Sweet Child of Mine”
G. None of the above, I preferred to listen to __________________________________
Debbie Gibson: Faith
1988 Project: It is 1988, you want to catch a movie. What are you most likely to watch out of the top 10 movies that year?
a. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
b. Rain Man
c. Cocktail
d. Big
e. Twins
f. Crocodile Dundee II
g. Naked Gun
h. Beetlejuice
i. Coming to America
j. None of the above, I preferred to watch______________________________________
Debbie Gibson: Rain Main
1988 Project: It is 1988, you have downtime from touring. You were most likely to read____________
a. a Tom Clancy book
b. Stephen Hawking’s “A Brief History of Time”
c. Stephen King’s “The Tommy Knockers”
d. Tom Wolfe’s “Bonfire of the Vanities”
e. None of the above, I was reading ______________________________________________
Debbie Gibson: None of the above – I was writing songs!
1988 Project: It is 1988, you manage to catch some TV …would it most likely be?
a. Roseanne
b. The Cosby Show
c. Cheers
d. The Wonder Years
e. None of the above I was watching ______________________________________________
Debbie Gibson: The Wonder Years
1988 Project: Ok, the bonus round. You have now worked with Corey Feldman on Katy Perry’s Video and Deal or No Deal, any future Feldman-Gibson movie projects in the works?
Debbie Gibson: Cute question, but no.
1988 Project: What are you working on currently?
Debbie Gibson: New music and a book.
1988 Project: Would you like to add anything about the charities you are working with?
Debbie Gibson: Gibson Girl Foundation is my baby. I started it after seeing a need for arts funding but decided to go the route of providing individual support for talented but in need kids. Children International provides basic needs for kids in developing nations. I have seen first hand what sponsorship does and it takes a child with diminishing hope and gives them the backbone they need in the area of health and well being to pursue happiness.
1988 Project: Debbie, you turned 18 in 1988. Do you remember anything about the Presidential race that year, seeing as you could now vote?
Debbie Gibson: I was a Reagan fan and actually got to meet Ronald and Nancy numerous times and represent youth in their “Just Say No” campaign.
1988 Project: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Debbie Gibson: Thank you!