In 1981, Buell recorded a four song EP on Rhino Records, produced by Rick Derringer and Ric Ocasek, with The Cars serving as her band on two tracks. The rock band Power Station began in 1984 when then-boyfriend John Taylor (of Duran Duran fame) pulled some famous friends together to provide backing for another of Buell's musical efforts. She also formed the band The B-Sides in 1980 but they disbanded in 1985.

She founded another band called The Gargoyles in 1985, and released a couple of singles. A few large record companies were showing interest, but they disbanded when the paternity of her daughter Liv became publicly known in 1991. She withdrew from performing and for six years in the 1990s, Buell managed her daughter Liv, helping to launch her career as a successful international model and actress.

After her daughter left home in 1997, Buell returned to music to record a solo effort with producer Don Fleming, released in 2000. She also performed around New York with the Bebe Buell Band, and later up with Boston musicians The Rudds and The Neighborhoods drummer Johnny Lynch to form a new band for a few shows which also includes husband Jim Wallerstein.

In April 2009, the Boston duo Chester French released a tribute to Buell with their album track "Bebe Buell".

As of June 2009, the line-up for The Bebe Buell Band is: Bebe Buell on vocals, Jim Wallerstein on guitar, Pete Marshall on bass , David Matos on lead guitar, Aya on keyboards, Lindsey Anderson on guitar and Bobbie Rae on drums.

She released her first recording in ten years with a single "Air Kisses for the Masses" in May 2009 and completed recording of a full length 12 song album set for late Fall 2010. It can be downloaded on iTunes or Amazon MP3. Buell is playing a series of live shows in the New York City area to promote the single.