Debbie Gibson Shares How Music Industry Has Evolved for Artists Like Taylor Swift Since Her Debut (Exclusive)

Debbie Gibson Says Music Industry Is Way More Open for Taylor Swift

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Debbie Gibson is happy to see that the music industry has become more accepting of women since she rose to fame in the 1980s.

During Lupus L.A.'s Cuisine for a Cause event at Vibiana on Sunday, May 19, Gibson, 53, shared, "My late mother bravely insisted at Atlantic Records that young girls could write and produce their own music. Now we have talents like Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift, paving the way for others."

When Gibson started, there was little support for female songwriters and producers. She added, "The music scene has evolved to be more inclusive and encouraging, which is a positive change."

Gibson had high praise for the talented Swift, who is 34 years old, describing her as "extraordinary."

"I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" by The Tortured Poets Department is now my anthem," Gibson shared. "Many of us can relate to it, especially women in show business. We put on a brave face on stage, but later we may find ourselves crying in a corner about our personal struggles. Swift has made significant contributions to advancing the music industry and empowering women."

During a November 2021 interview with The Guardian, the singer of "Lost in Your Eyes" praised Eilish, 22, as a "wise old soul" and remarked on how she appeared to be handling the pressures of fame with grace.

Gibson also took a moment to consider how the music industry has evolved for women and speculated on what her own career would be like if she were just starting out today.

"I can't help but think about the stress and exhaustion my mom and I went through to get past the gatekeepers and reach the starting gate," she shared. "Now, there's more freedom for young artists, especially female artists and creative visionaries."

Debbie Gibson Says Music Industry Is Way More Open for Taylor Swift

In 1987, Gibson released her first album called Out of the Blue. She wrote and produced most of the songs on the album. After that, she went on to release 10 more studio albums. She is the only songwriter for all of her songs that made it to the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. Some of her popular songs include "Foolish Beat" and "Electric Youth."

After being in the music industry for over 35 years, Gibson is currently writing a memoir. She describes it as a motivational memoir, rather than a scandalous tell-all. The memoir focuses on sharing her life experiences, including stories about her late mother who was a strong music executive. It emphasizes the theme of overcoming challenges and emerging victorious.

Gibson has faced many challenges in her life, one of which is her battle with Lyme disease. This experience has led her to show support for Lupus L.A.’s event on May 19, where they honored Michael Symon, a James Beard Award winner and Emmy-winning host of The Chew.

Having dealt with Lyme disease for over a decade, Gibson understands the struggles of living with a chronic illness. She believes that there are many similarities between Lupus and Lyme disease. Gibson recalls a time when autoimmune diseases were not widely talked about, and she appreciates events like this that help raise awareness.

Gibson emphasizes the importance of bringing attention to these diseases, as she believes it helps people feel less alone in their struggles. By dedicating a night to raising awareness, Gibson hopes to show support for those who may be suffering in silence.

With reporting by Andrea Simpson

Editor's P/S:

Debbie Gibson's reflections on the evolution of the music industry for women offer a heartening glimpse into the progress that has been made. The increased acceptance and support for female songwriters and producers represents a significant shift from the landscape Gibson encountered when she entered the industry in the 1980s. The success of artists like Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift, who have both achieved remarkable success while remaining true to their artistic vision, serves as inspiration for aspiring musicians. Gibson's acknowledgement of the challenges she faced as a woman in the industry underscores the resilience and determination that were required to navigate the obstacles of her time.

Gibson's involvement in events like the Lupus L.A.'s Cuisine for a Cause highlights her commitment to raising awareness for chronic illnesses. By speaking out about her own experiences with Lyme disease, she helps to break down the stigma surrounding these conditions and provides support for those who may be struggling in silence. Gibson's advocacy for autoimmune diseases demonstrates her compassion and her belief in the power of community in overcoming challenges.