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.

The album reached number 22 in the United Kingdom and was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry.

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

[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.