The group was founded in 1999 by vocalist Beth Ditto, guitarist Brace Paine and drummer Kathy Mendonca while attending Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.

[7] She was replaced by Hannah Billie on the Gossip's third studio album Standing in the Way of Control, released in January 2006.

[8][10] Gossip worked extensively with producer Rick Rubin in recording their fourth studio album, Music for Men, which was released in October 2009.

[11] The album peaked at number 164 on the US Billboard 200 and reached the top ten in Austria, France and Germany.

[15][16] Their fifth studio album, A Joyful Noise, was released in May 2012 and featured collaborations with British production team Xenomania and French DJ Fred Falke.