Exclusive: David Bowie’s transition from ‘Starman’ to soulful artist on ‘Young Americans’ occurred 50 years ago
David Bowie’s 1975 LP “Young Americans” marked the artist’s transition from glam-rock to what he deemed “plastic soul.” Released 50 years ago on March 7, 1975, Bowie, who famously sang about “Changes” in 1971, embarked on a sonic journey to explore new musical territories.
Heading to Philadelphia, the birthplace of numerous hit songs, Bowie, along with producer Tony Visconti, encountered some resistance. The city’s renowned R&B architects, Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff, were not initially receptive to collaborating with Bowie and his team. Despite the rejection, Bowie was determined to revolutionize his sound on “Young Americans.”
Putting together a dream team of musicians, Bowie enlisted talents like Sly & the Family Stone drummer Andrew Newmark, Donny Hathaway bassist Willie Weeks, James Brown saxophonist David Sanborn, and the emerging Luther Vandross as a background singer. The Philly studio where the recording took place had seen many Gamble & Huff collaborations, but Bowie’s vision for the album could not be deterred. His dedication to incorporating soul influences was evident in the lineup he assembled.
Carlos Alomar, the session guitar player who contributed to hits like the album’s title track and the iconic “Fame,” was an essential part of Bowie’s reinvention. Having worked with legends like James Brown, Alomar’s role in shaping the new sound was crucial. His connection with Bowie went beyond music, as he and his wife, Robin Clark, developed a personal relationship with the artist, even hosting him for home-cooked meals.
Throughout the recording process, Bowie took on the persona of “The Gouster,” representing a fresh and hip presence. Collaborating closely with Luther Vandross, Bowie and the team developed the album’s vocal arrangements, with Vandross serving as the “choirmaster.” Vandross’s input was so valuable that he received songwriting credit for “Fascination,” originally titled “Funky Music.”
Following the completion of the “Young Americans” sessions, Bowie, inspired by a studio session with John Lennon, added two additional tracks to the album. Visconti, who had returned to the UK to master the record, received a telegram from Bowie with the news of the new recordings, notably the hit “Fame.”
“Young Americans” stands as a testament to Bowie’s versatility and willingness to evolve his artistic identity. Bowie’s transition from glam-rock to soul music marked a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his commitment to pushing creative boundaries and exploring new genres.