Debbie Gibson

Debbie Gibson
Gibson at the Cinema City Film Festival, 2009
Background information
Birth name	Deborah Ann Gibson
Born	August 31, 1970 (1970-08-31) (age 41) Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Genres	Pop, dance-pop, house, freestyle, bubblegum pop, pop rock
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, teen idol
Instruments	Vocals, piano
Years active	1986–present
Labels	Atlantic EMI SMEJ
Associated acts	Jordan Knight Eric Martin Tiffany
Website	Official Site
Notable instruments
Liberace grand piano: Baldwin SD10, Serial No. pending Finish: Austrian rhinestones

Deborah Ann "Debbie" Gibson (born August 31, 1970) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. In 1987 she was pronounced the youngest artist to write, produce, and perform a No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, with her song "Foolish Beat" and she remains the youngest female to write, record, and perform a No. 1 single to date.^[1] She has gone on to starring roles on Broadway and touring musicals, as well as independent film and television work. She continues to record, and reached the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart as high as No. 24 during 2006 in a duet with Jordan Knight titled "Say Goodbye."

Early life

Gibson was born in Brooklyn, New York, the third daughter of four for Diane and Joseph Gibson.^[2][3][4] She grew up in the Long Island suburb of Merrick and was raised Catholic. At the age of five, she began performing in community theater with her sisters Karen, Michele and Denise and cousin T.J Normandin and wrote her first song, "Make Sure You Know Your Classroom." At age eight, she sang in the children's chorus at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. She began playing the ukulele and taking piano lessons soon after, including with American pianist Morton Estrin.^[5] Gibson said that her household was probably the only one where bystanders would hear kids fighting over piano playing time.

Music career

1987–1990

Her official fan club, D.G.I.F., published fan magazines early in her career.

In 1987, while performing around the United States at nightclub venues, Gibson was recording what would become her debut album, "Out Of The Blue." The album was recorded in four weeks. Four singles from Out Of The Blue reached the Top 5 of the Billboard Top 100: "Only in My Dreams", "Shake Your Love", "Out Of The Blue", and the No. 1 hit "Foolish Beat", followed by "Staying Together", which performed more modestly, reaching No. 22. "Foolish Beat" set a record for Gibson, making her (at 17) the youngest artist ever to write, produce, and perform a Billboard No. 1 single, as entered in the 1988 Guinness Book of World Records, and she remains the youngest female artist to write, record, and perform a No. 1 single to date. By the time Out Of The Blue was established as a hit album, and she had success in the UK, as well as in Japan and southeast Asia, filling stadiums with her Out Of The Blue tour. By the end of 1988, Out of the Blue had gone triple platinum.^[6] The Out Of The Blue music videos on VHS was certified platinum by the RIAA, as well as Live In Concert "The Out of The Blue tour VHS video was certified 2x platinum by the RIAA.

In October 1988, Gibson sang the national anthem for Game One of the Major League Baseball World Series. Throughout 1988 and early 1989, Gibson recorded her second album. Electric Youth was released in January 1989, and spent five weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart. The first single released, "Lost in Your Eyes", was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks, garnering Debbie with another achievement the first female in chart history to chart both the Electric Youth album and the single "Lost In Your Eyes" simultaneously at No. 1. She shared ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award 1989 with Bruce Springsteen. Subsequent singles from this album missed the Top 10: Electric Youth (No. 11), No More Rhyme (No. 17) and We Could Be Together (No. 71). The Electric Youth album was certified 2x platinum by the RIAA. Another successful "The Electric Youth" world tour, and Live Around the World tour on vhs certified 2x platinum by the RIAA followed.

Style and Influence

In tandem with the second album, she created a perfume called Electric Youth that was distributed by Revlon, and other makeup essentials for young girls that were distributed nationwide through Natural Wonder Cosmetics, another of her sponsors at the time.^[7] Debbie Gibson and bubblegum pop made side ponytails and crimped hair popular. She also made tight, rolled up jeans and wearing two Swatch watches popular. Her influences are Madonna and Olivia Newton John; though she has often said she admires Elton John, and Billy Joel as favorite artists. Debbie appeared on the covers of teen magazines (globally), such as Tiger Beat and many others.

1990–1995

Gibson recorded two more albums for Atlantic Records: Anything Is Possible (1990), and Body Mind Soul (1993). "Anything Is Possible", co-written with Motown mainstay Lamont Dozier, peaked at No. 26 on Billboard's Hot 100 in January 1991. Subsequent singles from Anything Is Possible failed to chart on The Billboard Hot 100, although "One Step Ahead" scored on the Billboard Hot Maxi Singles and Hot Dance chart, peaking at No. 21 and No. 18 respectively. Body Mind Soul, which was released in February 1993, spawned another minor hit in "Losin' Myself", which was accompanied by a somewhat controversial Matthew Rolston-directed video clip featuring Gibson as a stripper. The second single from the album, "Shock Your Mama", would become a minor hit in Europe and the UK, however "Losin' Myself" remains Gibson last appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 to date.

Gibson on the set of the video for "No More Rhyme"

During this time, Gibson was part of a supergroup that recorded the charity single Voices that Care which peaked at No. 11 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

In 1995, she signed with EMI's SBK Records division and recorded what would be her only album for the label, Think With Your Heart. This album is an Adult Contemporary heavy album consisting of piano ballads and keyboard ballads recorded predominantly with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the major orchestras of the United Kingdom.^[8] The album's producer, Niko Bolas (usually Neil Young's co-producer), was producing the reunion album for veteran punk band Circle Jerks, and invited Gibson to a recording session for that band's album, she sang background vocals on the song "I Wanna Destroy You," as well as appearing at and participating in the Circle Jerks' performance at punk venue CBGB, wearing one of the band's t-shirts and sharing a microphone with frontman Keith Morris.

Independent releases

After parting company with EMI, Gibson formed her own record label, Espiritu, to release her original material. Her sixth album, Deborah, marked her full return to dance-pop. Deborah includes the lead single "Only Words." "Only Words" (Dance Edit) became a Top 40 Hot Dance Music/Club Play hit. The album's other single is the ballad, "Naturally." Deborah was well received and remains respected, though it only sold 20,000 in the US.

In 2001, Gibson released her seventh album on her then-new record label, Golden Egg, titled M.Y.O.B. (AKA Mind Your Own Business). It features the three singles, the sensual pop song "What You Want," the Latin-infused Dance-pop song "Your Secret," and the bass heavy "M.Y.O.B." Highlights from the album include the sultry Latin flavored Smooth Jazz song "In Blue," her vintage style ballad "Wishing You Were Here," "Jaded," and a remix of "M.Y.O.B." Her single M.Y.O.B. had the background vocals of her two nieces.

In 2005, Gibson co-wrote and recorded a song titled "Someone You Love" with the O'Neill Brothers. With the O'Neill Brothers, Gibson released an updated, acoustic version of her former No. 1 hit "Lost in Your Eyes." There was a PBS special late 2005, and it was Emmy nominated in February 2006.^[9][10]

Theater career

Gibson debuted on Broadway in 1992, playing Eponine in Les Misérables. She then went to London and starred as Sandy in Grease – a role 800 other girls tried out for before producers chose Gibson – in a West End production.^[11] The show broke box office sales records.^[12] The single version of "You're the One That I Want", a duet with Craig McLachlan, taken from the Original Cast Recording, reached No. 13 on the UK charts in 1993.

On returning to the States, she appeared in the Broadway touring production, this time playing Rizzo. She played Fanny Brice in a revamped Funny Girl tour. She has had many successful theater credits; she was among the many actresses who took the starring role of Belle in the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast. She replaced Kerry Butler in July 1997 and was in the show until 1998 when she was then succeeded by Kim Huber. She also starred the critically lauded production of Gypsy (in a production staged at The Paper Mill Playhouse). She starred as Louise opposite Broadway legend Betty Buckley. She participated in the national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, where she played the part of The Narrator, and starred as Cinderella in the national tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical with Eartha Kitt as the Fairy Godmother. In October 2002, she starred as Velma Kelly in the Boston production of Chicago. In 2003, she played Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of Cabaret. From March to April 2004, she played the role of 'Marta' in the UCLA Reprise! production of Company.

Gibson starred as Anna Leonowens in Cabrillo Music Theatre's production of the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical The King and I which began October 17, 2008 in the Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and ran through October 26.^[13]

Reality television

In mid-2003, Gibson was a judge on the American Idol spin-off American Juniors which lasted one season.

In January 2006, she joined the cast of Skating with Celebrities on Fox Television, partnered with former Canadian World Champion figure skater Kurt Browning. She was voted out in the third episode.

Gibson is reportedly set to compete on the fifth season of The Celebrity Apprentice, which will air early 2012.^[14]

Music 2005–present

The March 2005 issue of Playboy featured a nude pictorial of Gibson, coinciding with the release of her single, "Naked". She has said that the magazine had asked her five times to pose for them since she turned 18.^[4] She agreed to pose in an effort to revamp her image, describing how one casting call called her agent, not realizing that Gibson had long since outgrown her teenage image.^[15] The single peaked No. 35 on the Billboard "Hot single sales" chart in March 2005.^{[citation needed]}

Following her Skating with Celebrities appearance, she has had a resurgence of popularity in niche markets. Her single "Your Secret" came back from its dormant state and became popular on some radio stations including Super 91.7 WMPH in Wilmington, Delaware. "Your Secret" has been on their request show, Total Control Radio, for 12 months. "Your Secret" reached No. 1 on its third week on that station's chart in May 2006. It charted along with a few of her other singles, "M.Y.O.B." and "Only Words" (Dance Edit) which is a Eurodance mix of the song. They all have become recurrent hits on the station since.^[16]

Gibson continues to tour and has become a popular attraction at gay pride parades and various charity and music festivals around the US. Her 2006 single, "Say Goodbye," featuring dance-pop artist Jordan Knight, has made a good impression on the Soft AC and Hot AC radio formats, becoming the third-most added single on the format during summer 2006. It debuted at No. 35 on the Billboard magazine Hot Contemporary chart, peaking at No. 24 in early September through late November.^{[citation needed]} The same year, Gibson appeared in the independent film Coffee Date with Wilson Cruz and Jonathan Silverman.

On November 14, 2006, Gibson released the song "Famous" on her official website. The song was written by Gibson and Tiziano Lugli, and the recording was produced by T. Lugli. On May 2007 the world premiere of Electric Youth: The Musical was unveiled at The Starlight Theatre in Orlando, FL. The musical featured 14 of Gibsons's songs and was directed by Dean Parker.^[17] On August 24, 2007, Gibson and Frankie Avalon hosted Time Life Presents Dick Clark's American Bandstand 50th Anniversary Collection.^[18]

Debbie Gibson at LA Pride 2007

On September 2007, Gibson considered creating a camp on the West Coast. She is the founder and creator of Camp Electric Youth,^[19] a children's summer day camp which ran from July 7–18, 2008. It claims to be the first camp of its kind in the Los Angeles area. The camp was reportedly attended by "over 120 talented singers, actors and dancers" from around the world.

Gibson was a judge for the online talent competition, Total Pop Star,^[20] along with Andrew Van Slee (producer and judge), and Joey Lawrence (from Blossom). The first season ran from Nov 12, 2007 – May 30, 2008, though it was later extended to June.

In January 2008, Gibson announced that she would revive and perform her 80s hits—along with her Broadway role songs—during a three-run week in May 2008 at Harrah's in Atlantic City.^[21]

She later appeared on the April 2008 cover of Lavender Magazine (a GLBT magazine in Minnesota)^[22] and was interviewed about her career and upcoming projects. Then on the 24th, Gibson hosted and performed on Spotlightlive 80's Karaoke Experience in New York^[23] singing songs such as "Only in My Dreams", "Out of the Blue", "Love Shack" (an original hit for the B-52's) and "9 to 5".

She performed with Samantha Fox, Tiffany, & Rick Astley at the Colisee Pepsi in Quebec City, Canada on April 10, 2009.^[24]

Gibson has confirmed in interviews that she is working on a new album. Previews of possible singles were played on her YouTube channel in June 2009 through a video she uploaded herself.^[25]

She performed as Mother Nature in Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy at Foxwoods/MGM Casino from July 27 to September 1, 2010.^[26]

It was announced on her official website that "I Love You", the first single off her newest album Ms Vocalist, is No. 1 on the international cable radio charts for the week of November 3. Debbie covered J-Pop tunes for the Ms Vocalist album that were originally sung by Japanese artists like Chage and Aska (Say Yes), Yutaka Ozaki (I love you), Sekaiju no Dareyori Kitto (by Miho Nakayama & WANDS) among others, plus Japanese/English version of her hit No. 1 song Lost in your eyes and a duet with Eric Martin. The first official music video from the new album is "I Love You" which was released on Gibson Official YouTube site on October 19, 2010.^[27]

Her song "Rise", from the forthcoming documentary "3 Billion and Counting", is included on the short list for an Academy Award for Best Song in a Film in 2010.

In January 2011, Gibson released the song "Snake Charmer" for the film Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.^[28]

On April 18, 2011, Gibson confirmed via Twitter that she will be touring with fellow 80s pop princess Tiffany during the summer of 2011. Tiffany also made the announcement via the New York Post.^[29]

In June 2011, Gibson appeared in Katy Perry's music video "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" alongside several other guest stars.

On August 13, 2011, the final night of the Journey Through The 80s Tour, Gibson and Tiffany sold out Chicago's House of Blues.

Movies and television

On January 6, 2008 Gibson appeared on Deal or No Deal along with Corey Feldman as part of an '80s special.

Gibson co-starred with actor Lorenzo Lamas in the low-budget action/adventure film Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus, produced by The Asylum and released on May 19, 2009.^[30] The film's trailer has become a viral hit, scoring over one million hits on MTV.com and YouTube.^[31] The film premiered at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. Ironically, Gibson's former music rival Tiffany had her film Necrosis (a.k.a. Blood Snow) premiere at the Cannes as well.^[32]

Tiffany and Debbie Gibson starred in a Syfy original movie entitled Mega Python vs. Gatoroid, aired on January 29, 2011.^[33] The pairing was at the suggestion of Tiffany, who wanted to play off their supposed rivalry.^[34]

Personal life

Over the years, Gibson has been the subject of stalkers. Robert Bardo, who was convicted for murdering actress Rebecca Schaeffer in 1989, had a wall in his house adorned with pictures of Gibson and Tiffany.^[35] In May 1998, Michael Falkner, a disgruntled fan from Eau Claire, WI, was arrested outside Manhattan's Palace Theater, where Gibson was performing in the live musical adaptation of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. This was after Gibson received threatening letters, emails and faxes from Falkner, who used the alias 'Starcade'.^[36] On April 15, 2008, Gibson filed for a restraining order against Bassas Jorge Puigdollers, a fan club member from Spain who had been allegedly stalking her since 2002.^[37] However, a temporary restraining order was not issued by the court, and a court date was set to determine if a restraining order was appropriate in the matter.^[38] The proceeding was dismissed when Gibson failed to show up at the courthouse for the hearing to present her case.^[39]

Gibson is currently in a relationship with Dr. Rutledge Taylor.^[40]

Discography

Main article: Deborah Gibson discography

Studio albums

• Out of the Blue (1987)
• Electric Youth (1989)
• Anything Is Possible (1990)
• Body Mind Soul (1993)
• Think With Your Heart (1995)
• Deborah (1997)
• M.Y.O.B. (2001)
• Colored Lights: The Broadway Album (2003)
• Ms. Vocalist (2010)^[41]

Charted singles

The following singles charted in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, Republic of Ireland and/or the Netherlands.

Year	Single	Peak positions										Album
		U.S.	U.S. dance	U.S. AC	UK[42]	CAN	AUS	JPN	SWI	NET	IRL
1987	"Only in My Dreams"	4[43]	12	31	11	6	—	—	—	46	20	Out of the Blue
	"Shake Your Love"	4	6	—	7	10	27	—	19	24	3
1988	"Out of the Blue"	3	44	16	19	21	71	—	—	88	19
	"Foolish Beat"	1	—	8	9	1	49	—	10	8	5
	"Staying Together"	22	—	—	53	29	—	—	—	—	15
1989	"Lost in Your Eyes"	1	—	3	34	5	8	—	—	45	18	Electric Youth
	"Electric Youth"	11	3	—	14	15	17	—	—	35	13
	"No More Rhyme"	17	—	13	—	25	59	—	—	—	—
	"We Could Be Together"	71	—	—	22	—	53	—	—	—	23
1990	"Without You"2	—	—	—	—	—	—	26	—	—	—	single only (Japan)
	"Anything Is Possible"	26	—	48	51	17	63	—	—	—	—	Anything Is Possible
1991	"One Step Ahead"	—	18	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	"In His Mind"	—	—	—	—	—	—	90	—	—	—
	"Losin' Myself"	86	46	49	—	73	—	—	—	—	—	Body, Mind, Soul
1993	"Shock Your Mama"	—	—	—	74	—	—	—	—	—	—
1993	"You're the One That I Want" Duet with Craig McLachlan	—	—	—	13	—	—	—	—	—	24	Grease – The Original London Cast Recording
2006	"Say Goodbye" (with Jordan Knight)	—	—	24	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	Jordan Knight – Love Songs
2010	"I Love You"	—	—	—	—	—	—	1[44]	—	—	—	Ms Vocalist

Filmography

Film

• Ghostbusters (1984) (uncredited)^[45]
• My Girlfriend's Boyfriend (1999)
• Wedding Band (2001)
• Soulkeeper (2001)
• Celeste in the City (2004)
• Coffee Date (2006)
• Body/Antibody (2007)
• Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus (2009)
• Mega Python vs. Gatoroid (2011)

Television

• Beverly Hills, 90210 (1991)
• Street Justice (1991)
• Step by Step (1995)
• The Kidsongs Television Show: Fun With Manners (1995)
• That '80s Show (2002)
• American Juniors (2003)
• Skating with Celebrities (2006)
• Celebrity Ghost Stories (2010)

Awards and achievements

Career highlights

• Youngest person to ever write, produce and perform a No. 1 single (1988)
• Debut Album of the Year - "Out of the Blue" - New York Music Awards (1989)
• Debut Artist of the Year - New York Music Awards (1989)
• ASCAP Songwriter of the Year (tied with Bruce Springsteen) (1989)
• Nominated Favorite Female Music Performer - People's Choice Awards (1990)
• Rock Producer of the Year - American Songwriter Awards (1990)
• Nominated Best Pop Female Vocalist - American Music Awards (1990)
• Artist of the Year - New York Music Awards (1990)
• Song of the Year - "Lost In Your Eyes" - New York Music Awards (1990)
• Best Pop Female Vocalist - New York Music Awards (1990)

Active supporter of charities

• Pediatric AIDS Foundation
• The Make-A-Wish Foundation
• St. Mary's Children & Families Foundation^[46]
• Red Cross Clothes Drive
• Children International [1]
• Long Island Head Injury Association

References

1. ^ Billboard.com
2. ^ Biography at official site of Deborah Gibson
3. ^ Deborah Gibson Biography (1970-)
4. ^ ^{a b} Tiffany Fumiko Tay (2008-04-13). "Down-to-earth Deborah". Malaysia Star. http://ecentral.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/13/music/20899468&sec=music. Retrieved 2010-08-07. 
5. ^ Morton Estrin – Concert Pianist. Recording Artist. Master Teacher
6. ^ Debbie Gibson | Music Videos, Songs, News, Photos, and Lyrics | MTV
7. ^ Debora Toth (1989-09-24). "What's New In Fragrances - Signing Up Celebrity Promoters to Give Perfume Star Appealz". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1989/09/24/business/what-s-new-fragrances-signing-up-celebrity-promoters-give-perfumes-star-appealz.html. Retrieved 2010-08-07. 
8. ^ London Philharmonic Orchestra
9. ^ http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20081113/SHE04/811130429/1097
10. ^ Piano Music Wedding Music Holiday Music Piano Wedding Music
11. ^ http://www.totallytheatre.com/buy_tickets/L344565018^{[dead link]}
12. ^ Deborah Gibson (I) - Biography
13. ^ Deborah Gibson Will Be Anna in Cabrillo's King and I
14. ^ Report: Clay Aiken, Victoria Gotti, Debbie Gibson and Teresa Giudice join 'Celebrity Apprentice'
15. ^ "Deborah Gibson Poses Nude, Talks to FOX". Fox News. 2005-02-20. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,148164,00.html. Retrieved 2010-08-07. 
16. ^ Total Control Radio schedule from WMPH's website
17. ^ http://www.electricyouthmusical.com/
18. ^ Generic Error
19. ^ http://www.deborahgibsonselectricyouth.com/
20. ^ http://www.totalpopstar.com/
21. ^ Stuck in the '80s | tampabay.com: Archives
22. ^ Lavender Magazine - Minnesota’s GLBT Magazine - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender News - Minneapolis / Saint Paul
23. ^ This is a site for members of The Spotlight Circle
24. ^ The Hollywood Reporter: Debbie Gibson, Tiffany to Battle in Syfy Movie
25. ^ Deborah Gibson gives sneak peek at the new song! June 3, 2009 - YouTube
26. ^ Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy brings Deborah Gibson to MGM Grand at Foxwoods | masslive.com
27. ^ I Love You - YouTube
28. ^ iTunes - "Snake Charmer"
29. ^ "&Apos;80S Revival". New York Post. April 18, 2011. http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/revival_91NfI0HRMYyHbYI3WcwTsN. 
30. ^ The Asylum – Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus
31. ^ People.com – Deborah Gibson Becomes a Viral Video Star
32. ^ Yahoo! News: Indie Films "Blood Snow" and "Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus": Tiffany and Deborah Gibson Rivals at Cannes Film Festival in 2009?
33. ^ In LA? Be a Part of Mega Python vs. Gatoroid – TODAY!
34. ^ Adam Rosenberg (2010-06-24). "Debbie Gibson, Tiffany To Star In 'Mega Python Vs. Gatoroid'". www.mtv.com. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1642261/20100624/gibson_debbie.jhtml. Retrieved 2010-08-07. 
35. ^ Exposay – Deborah Gibson Files Restraining Order on Stalker, April 18, 2008
36. ^ Rolling Stone – Gibson Stalker Stopped on Street, May 27, 1998
37. ^ AOL Music – Gibson Wants Restraining Order for Fan, April 16, 2008
38. ^ tmz - copy of restraining order applicaton and NO TEMPORARY ORDERS ISSUED designation
39. ^ Deborah Gibson - Gibson Skips 'Stalker' Hearing
40. ^ Deborah Gibson Credits Boyfriend for Helping Her Lose Weight - Bodywatch, Deborah Gibson : People.com
41. ^ Deb to release Ms. Vocalist album in Japan « Debbie Gibson
42. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 226. ISBN 1-904994-10-5. 
43. ^ Billboard Hot 100 link for single Only In My Dreams
44. ^ Japense link for single I Love You
45. ^ Filmography at the IMDB
46. ^ Anne Carlini – Exclusive Magazine

External links

• Official website: Deborah-Gibson.com
• Deborah Gibson Interview
• Debbie Gibson at Allmusic
• Debbie Gibson at the Internet Movie Database

Persondata
Name	Gibson, Debbie
Alternative names	Gibson, Deborah Ann (full name)
Short description	American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress
Date of birth	August 31, 1970
Place of birth	Brooklyn, New York, United States
Date of death
Place of death