British musician David Bowie brings us today’s classic song of the day, “Young Americans.” This one was a bit of a departure for Mr. Bowie, whose previous work had been more in the glam rock style. “Young Americans” was his attempt to do American soul (Bowie called it “plastic soul”), and it works pretty well.
Bowie released the “Young Americans” single in February of 1975. It peaked at #18 on the UK Singles chart, #28 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and #20 on the Cash Box Top 100. It was his highest-charting hit in the U.S. to date, to shortly be eclipsed by “Fame” (#1) and “Golden Years.”
“Young Americans” was, in essence, an Englishman’s impression of late 20th century America, complete with references to Richard Nixon, Joseph McCarthy, the Civil Rights movement, Cadillacs and Chryslers, and Barbie dolls. The song is told through the viewpoint of a young recently married couple, as Mr. Bowie noted:
“[The song is] about a newly-wed couple who don’t know if they really like each other. Well, they do, but they don’t know if they do or don’t. It’s a bit of a predicament.”
The song also quotes the Beatles tune “A Day in the Life” with the lyrics, “I heard the news today, oh boy.” John Lennon, a friend of Mr. Bowie’s, didn’t sue.
David Bowie recorded “Young Americans” at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, hoping that some of that Philly Soul magic would rub off on him. Session musicians included Carlos Alomar on rhythm guitar, Mike Garson on piano, Willie Weeks on bass, Larry Washington on congas, Andy Newmark on drums, and the great David Sanborn on alto sax. Backing vocals were provided by Ava Cherry, Robin Clark, and an up-and-coming young singer named Luther Vandross, who also arranged the vocal parts.
And here’s something. Today’s daily bonus video of the day is a live performance of “Young Americans” on the December 4, 1974, episode of The Dick Cavett Show. He’s got a lot of soul for a white boy from London.
