It was on this day in 1975 that David Bowie released his iconic album Young Americans. His ninth studio would be a big change from the earlier glam rock style of music he had been recording. He was heavily influenced by the R&B sounds of the Philadelphia music scene. This album was one of the first albums by Bowie that I ever listened to and I was mesmerized by his distinct musical style.

Supposedly most of this album was recorded live in the studio with the full band backing him up as Bowie laid down the vocal tracks. Several artists made appearances on this effort, including Sly and the Family Stone drummer Andy Newmark, along with John Lennon and an artist early on in his career, Luther Vandross. This was also the first time that Bowie worked with longtime collaborator Carlos Alomar.

Young Americans spawned the singles "Fame," "Space Oddity" and the title track, which all scored him hits in the Top 20 in the UK, with "Fame" going to No. 1 in the U.S.

  • 1

    Young Americans

    This single reached No. 28 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

  • 2

    Space Oddity

    This single failed to chart in the U.S. but scored Bowie a No. 1 hit in the UK.

  • 3

    Fame

    "Fame" was Bowie's biggest hit at that point in his career in the U.S., and was his first No. 1 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

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