Talking Heads Celebrate 45th Anniversary of Debut Album '77

On September 16, 1977, 45 years ago today, Sire Records released Talking Heads ’77, the semi-eponymous debut album from David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, and Tina Weymouth. It was the beginning of an extraordinary run for the groundbreaking post-punk quartet, one that culminated in eight revolutionary studio albums, all of them certified gold, platinum, or better.
 
The band is celebrating this career milestone with the launch of its first official website, Instagram, and YouTube channel.
 
Talking Heads have also partnered on an exclusive merchandise deal with Rhino and Warner Music Experience (WMX), the global artist and label services division at Warner Music Group, who will power the band’s official store through the newly launched website. The first merchandise line launches today, focusing on Talking Heads ’77 with exclusive shirts, hats, hoodies, and other items, with more merch drops to follow in the coming months.  

Starting today, fans have a new way to experience the Talking Heads’ music as all of the band’s studio albums now available in Dolby Atmos. The Atmos mixes include Talking Heads: ’77 (1977), More Songs About Buildings And Food (1978), Fear of Music (1979), Remain in Light (1980), Speaking in Tongues (1983), Little Creatures (1985), True Stories (1986), and Naked (1988). Listen here.
 
Talking Heads will also be sharing HD-upgraded versions of many of their classic music videos on its official YouTube channel over the coming months. The reveal started today with the release of upgraded versions of “And She Was,” “Blind,” and “Love For Sale.” Watch them here.
 
Talking Heads articulated the weirdness and apprehension of modern times through adventurous songs that drew on musical influences that spanned soul, rock, punk, funk, and world beat. Before disbanding in 1991, the band created a musical legacy that continues to touch new generations of artists, including Trent Reznor, Vampire Weekend, and The 1975. Radiohead expressed its affection for the band by taking its name from a song on the Talking Heads’ 1986 album True Stories. Among their many accolades, Talking Heads joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and was honored at the Grammy® Awards with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.