interesting place to land on planet Bowie. yes that was Luther V. and also Ava Cherry. the incredible sax David Sanborn. this was Bowie's philly soul period. his body and voice suffering from cocaine use but he still had that charisma. there are many different musical and visual styles of Bowie. he transformed from album to album. his live performances always deliver.
Just understand that David Bowie was the greatest musical genius of the last 100 years; and he's been dead for five. He's a Beethoven type. Heavy metal before it got heavy, acknowledged originator of glam rock, disco as disco was forming, music videos before MTV formed, the wave that brought New Wave, Retro rock before it retroed, grungy before grunge, rock-jazz-hiphop before any of them were aware it could be done, went to "fuck you I'm going to do what I want" when other artists were trying to recapture the "youthful glory days," created at least two rock musicals on the fly, and -- when he knew he was dying -- delivered the requiem of all requiems. And, in his off time, raised a world-class director and a beautiful girl, gave millions to charity and also his girl's nanny, personal housekeeper, etc., married a supermodel, acted in more projects than you can complete in your life, and created paintings, poems, and his own damned website. That's a helluva life for not even living to 70.
I agree! What a well-thought-out tribute to a man who, let's face it, broke the mold when he landed here. He was ALWAYS a step ahead of every trend. Every single one. And a master at marketing (I do a fair bit myself). He was charismatic and compelling. Some performers own the stage when they perform. You know who they are. They are big...huge personalities like Bowie. I am thinking of other very charismatic musicians such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Chaka Khan, The Wilson sisters (Ann & Nancy), Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Tori Amos, Jim Morrison, Robert Plant, Stevie Nicks, Diana Ross, Beyonce, and many others who could only DREAM of the longevity of David Bowie. When you see these people on the TV screen or better yet at a concert you can not look away. They are fascinating to watch! They stir emotions in their lyrics, their passionate performances and their musical interpretation. And yes! We have The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and The Who but if you'll notice they are still doing the same thing they did when they first started. Through the years they have been doing the same songs (or songs that are created with the same three notes, and a formula, so that it might as well be the same songs), the same dress, the same stage moves, same makeup, same hairstyle, even! And there is nothing wrong with that. But artists generally want to stand out, be progressive and move people. David Bowie was all that. Bowie was constantly updating his image, creating a new look and sound, and collaborating even when others said it couldn't or shouldn't be done. He was a master. He blew me away with Lazarus. I still cannot bear to listen to the entire LP. I'll pick up a song here or there. He was absolutely brilliant until the very end. And a class act too. How many of us would have the forethought to imagine and do the work for Lazarus in our last days? I cannot even imagine.
Yes. It was Luther Vandross. David Bowie gave him his first big breakthrough in the music business by putting him on.yjis record. For that alone we are eternally grateful to Mr r Bowie
Yeah, I remember reading his biography... at his worst, he was pretty much only eating peppers. My dad, who is the biggest Bowie fan I know, said around that time was when he just looked so unwell.
David Bowie was one of the most versatile performers in terms of the styles he could do well. He and Prince might be two of the most amazing artists in terms of being able to tackle any style of music and make it sound incredible. The album that this song comes from is also called Young Americans, and IIRC it was inspired by one of his early US tours when he fell in love with the "Philadelphia Soul" sound. And yes, some iconic soul artists are singing backup in this performance and on the album, including Mr. Luther Vandross. This is probably my favorite song of his, and this is one of the better live performances that comes from the era the song was released. However, due to some of the poor production, such as the mics on some of the instruments being way too hot (I blame the TV studio sound engineers) I prefer the album version better than this one. As for the lyrics, this is a very deep song, and it offers a "Brit's eye view" of some social, economic, and personal struggles in our country.
Check out the Young American's album. Full of soul and had his first US nos 1 in Fame from there. Also Golden Years. Yes, a young Luthor in the background! :)
I’m so excited for you! Bowie is my favorite, but even calling him that does not capture the impact he and his music has had on my life. Welcome! You’re in for a wonderful ride.
David Bowie is beyond a shadow of a doubt the Greatest artist of all time. They can try but no one will ever be as cool,or talented in so many of the arts. His music is a treasure. MORE!!!!!!
Yeah, I LOVE him - and I love this performance- even tho he’s coked to the gills, and his voice is tired. And Luther Vandross, backing vocals (Damn no money for wardrobe?) David Sanborn on great sax
Always a favourite. Check out "under pressure" with Freddie Mercury/ or Annie Lennox & then to "little Drummer boy" with bing crosby- you'll see his range & amazing voice.
Not his best performance, he was coked off his face lol, but still iconic. He was only the 2nd white artist to appear on Soul Train. He always appreciated and promoted black artists. That's Luther Vandross in his backing singers. You should google his interview with MTV, at the height of his fame, where he completely turns the interview around, onto the MTV exec, who had been so excited to have Bowie on but instead Bowie, live, calls MTV out on their racist policy. Btw, if you listen to more Bowie and wonder why there's often a sax played on his tracks, it's because, although Bowie was a multi-instrumentalist, the saxophone was his first love. On most of his studio work, it's Bowie playing. :)
@@bobwoolerOriGinalI read tthat it was the first time Bowie we used background singers on an album. I'm sure he had input but he relied on Luther Vandross to do the majority of the background R&B vocals, as many artists have done.
@@lamusiclover2264 Yeah, you're obviously right, LV arranged the harmonies all the way through, but footage from the Stigma studio sessions suggests Bowie had big input on where and how he wanted the bacing vox to be. (what do you mean by " the first time (...) *we* used background singers on an album?)
@@bobwoolerOriGinal yes you can see video footage of him referring to and writing notes for the vocal harmonies on Nacho Video and the Cracked Actor film. It was a collaboration of talent but he was the “conductor” of sorts.
Luther Vandross not only sang but arranged the back up vocals on this album. The beautiful African American singer with the blonde hair is Ava Cherry, who was dating Bowie at the time. Should also note that Bowie was ill and losing his voice during this performance. Check out the album version or other live performances for his real power.
Bowie arranged the backing vocals. There’s fly in the wall film footage of him referring to his notes and explaining what he wanted to his backing vocalists. It’s in Nacho Video and the Cracked actor documentary. Obviously it was a collaboration of great talents and I’m sure they must have improvised but he directed how he wanted it to sound.
Was it? Maybe I should check out more of his performances. I don’t think I’ve seen enough of his performances to compare his vocals. This was my first time actually watching him perform something. I like the song too.
@@awordfrompresidentpat1985 There is not a lot of footage of Bowie doing this song live (I read because he did not care for it but I find that hard to believe). I recommend you check out the studio version - it is sublime. ☺️🤗👏
It's weird to see this guy's astonishment watching Bowie's video. Now he doesn't know who David Bowie is, what planet does he live on? Go wash some dishes, man!
This was great because it highlighted the amazing backup singers,but David's voice was trashed because of cocaine and overuse,give the recorded version a listen
interesting place to land on planet Bowie. yes that was Luther V. and also Ava Cherry. the incredible sax David Sanborn. this was Bowie's philly soul period. his body and voice suffering from cocaine use but he still had that charisma. there are many different musical and visual styles of Bowie. he transformed from album to album. his live performances always deliver.
Just understand that David Bowie was the greatest musical genius of the last 100 years; and he's been dead for five. He's a Beethoven type. Heavy metal before it got heavy, acknowledged originator of glam rock, disco as disco was forming, music videos before MTV formed, the wave that brought New Wave, Retro rock before it retroed, grungy before grunge, rock-jazz-hiphop before any of them were aware it could be done, went to "fuck you I'm going to do what I want" when other artists were trying to recapture the "youthful glory days," created at least two rock musicals on the fly, and -- when he knew he was dying -- delivered the requiem of all requiems. And, in his off time, raised a world-class director and a beautiful girl, gave millions to charity and also his girl's nanny, personal housekeeper, etc., married a supermodel, acted in more projects than you can complete in your life, and created paintings, poems, and his own damned website. That's a helluva life for not even living to 70.
"...when he knew he was dying..."
That still hits hard.
I agree! What a well-thought-out tribute to a man who, let's face it, broke the mold when he landed here. He was ALWAYS a step ahead of every trend. Every single one. And a master at marketing (I do a fair bit myself). He was charismatic and compelling. Some performers own the stage when they perform. You know who they are. They are big...huge personalities like Bowie. I am thinking of other very charismatic musicians such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Chaka Khan, The Wilson sisters (Ann & Nancy), Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Tori Amos, Jim Morrison, Robert Plant, Stevie Nicks, Diana Ross, Beyonce, and many others who could only DREAM of the longevity of David Bowie. When you see these people on the TV screen or better yet at a concert you can not look away. They are fascinating to watch! They stir emotions in their lyrics, their passionate performances and their musical interpretation.
And yes! We have The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and The Who but if you'll notice they are still doing the same thing they did when they first started. Through the years they have been doing the same songs (or songs that are created with the same three notes, and a formula, so that it might as well be the same songs), the same dress, the same stage moves, same makeup, same hairstyle, even! And there is nothing wrong with that. But artists generally want to stand out, be progressive and move people. David Bowie was all that.
Bowie was constantly updating his image, creating a new look and sound, and collaborating even when others said it couldn't or shouldn't be done. He was a master. He blew me away with Lazarus. I still cannot bear to listen to the entire LP. I'll pick up a song here or there. He was absolutely brilliant until the very end. And a class act too. How many of us would have the forethought to imagine and do the work for Lazarus in our last days? I cannot even imagine.
Pat: I guess I expected him to sing a different way
Me: He does ...
Bowie was the ultimate chameleon. He changed ... regularly.
Yes. It was Luther Vandross. David Bowie gave him his first big breakthrough in the music business by putting him on.yjis record. For that alone we are eternally grateful to Mr r Bowie
David was at probably 60% on this performance. He was really ill here. Still a soecial performance and a big part of his story and how he survived
That would probably explain why he couldn’t hit that high note at the end of the song. I was a bit sad not hearing it.
Yeah, I remember reading his biography... at his worst, he was pretty much only eating peppers. My dad, who is the biggest Bowie fan I know, said around that time was when he just looked so unwell.
David Bowie was one of the most versatile performers in terms of the styles he could do well. He and Prince might be two of the most amazing artists in terms of being able to tackle any style of music and make it sound incredible. The album that this song comes from is also called Young Americans, and IIRC it was inspired by one of his early US tours when he fell in love with the "Philadelphia Soul" sound. And yes, some iconic soul artists are singing backup in this performance and on the album, including Mr. Luther Vandross. This is probably my favorite song of his, and this is one of the better live performances that comes from the era the song was released. However, due to some of the poor production, such as the mics on some of the instruments being way too hot (I blame the TV studio sound engineers) I prefer the album version better than this one. As for the lyrics, this is a very deep song, and it offers a "Brit's eye view" of some social, economic, and personal struggles in our country.
Dude with the guitar is Carlos Alomar. He's now a professor of music. So glad you find David relatable.
As said - Bowie's vibe is awesome. This is not a great representation of his vocals - this was during his coke-up era - but still - wow!
...but still WOW! You said it all. ✌
Coked out of his head and still owning the stage... legend!
Check out the Young American's album. Full of soul and had his first US nos 1 in Fame from there. Also Golden Years. Yes, a young Luthor in the background! :)
I’m so excited for you! Bowie is my favorite, but even calling him that does not capture the impact he and his music has had on my life. Welcome! You’re in for a wonderful ride.
He's my favorite too.
Considering how coked-up to the gills he was, it's still an iconic performance.
And just how do you know for sure how coked up he was? Were you there?
He is a David bowie expert 🤣🤣🤣
David Bowie is beyond a shadow of a doubt the Greatest artist of all time. They can try but no one will ever be as cool,or talented in so many of the arts. His music is a treasure. MORE!!!!!!
Bowie is a music genre all of his own!
I Waa lucky enough to have seen him live twice over the years and he was absolutely mesmerising
Yes Luther Vandross on backing vocals. How David met Luther is legend.
Yes that’s a young Luthier on backing vocals
Who can forget that LEGEND?
The song called "Right" from That album is amazing, check nachos video.
I love Bowie, but this is my favorite song from him!
Studio version is so much better. Can't go wrong with Bowie. Great reaction and thanks for letting the song/video play through before commenting.
Pure soul! Perfect performance!
David's voice was a ragged but the background singing waexcellent.
Listen to the studio version
He was ill here.
Oh and did every one notice Luther in the back ground singers. Yup...it's the one and only.
Love Bowie ❤️ Look 👀 up Heroes live 2002 or All the Young Dude’s @The Freddie Mercury tribute concert. Thanks 🙏
the greatest collaboratervever
wow...they don't call him the 'thin white dude " for nothin'...LOL.....I love him and his music....SUPERSTAR !
Duke, not dude.
Very Cool. Bowie Best of the Best 🤗 😊 🎧🎼🎹🎤😁
David Bowie to do list:
Heroes
Space Oddity
Rebel Rebel
Let's Dance
Suffragette city
Diamond Dog
Yeah, I LOVE him - and I love this performance- even tho he’s coked to the gills, and his voice is tired.
And Luther Vandross, backing vocals (Damn no money for wardrobe?)
David Sanborn on great sax
WOW
1975... you should play the whole album "Young Americans ". A young Luther Vandross on backing vocals...
Always a favourite. Check out "under pressure" with Freddie Mercury/ or Annie Lennox & then to "little Drummer boy" with bing crosby- you'll see his range & amazing voice.
Not his best performance, he was coked off his face lol, but still iconic. He was only the 2nd white artist to appear on Soul Train. He always appreciated and promoted black artists. That's Luther Vandross in his backing singers. You should google his interview with MTV, at the height of his fame, where he completely turns the interview around, onto the MTV exec, who had been so excited to have Bowie on but instead Bowie, live, calls MTV out on their racist policy.
Btw, if you listen to more Bowie and wonder why there's often a sax played on his tracks, it's because, although Bowie was a multi-instrumentalist, the saxophone was his first love. On most of his studio work, it's Bowie playing. :)
Great reaction thank you very much, I think David was ill here.. Voice cracks
Always in my top 10
god i luv them young
Look again. That’s Patti LaBelle back there as well!
In 1987, it was like a beautiful, gay Elvis walked out on the stage. Never one to shy from controversy. RIP.
Luther did all of the vocal arrangements on this album, and sang background on many of the tracks.
No, Bowie was heavy into those arrangements too.
@@bobwoolerOriGinalI read tthat it was the first time Bowie we used background singers on an album. I'm sure he had input but he relied on Luther Vandross to do the majority of the background R&B vocals, as many artists have done.
@@lamusiclover2264 Yeah, you're obviously right, LV arranged the harmonies all the way through, but footage from the Stigma studio sessions suggests Bowie had big input on where and how he wanted the bacing vox to be.
(what do you mean by " the first time (...) *we* used background singers on an album?)
@@bobwoolerOriGinal It was a typo...I fixed it.
@@bobwoolerOriGinal yes you can see video footage of him referring to and writing notes for the vocal harmonies on Nacho Video and the Cracked Actor film. It was a collaboration of talent but he was the “conductor” of sorts.
Luther Vandross not only sang but arranged the back up vocals on this album. The beautiful African American singer with the blonde hair is Ava Cherry, who was dating Bowie at the time. Should also note that Bowie was ill and losing his voice during this performance. Check out the album version or other live performances for his real power.
Please listen to the album version of this song. Try Golden Years, also; there is rapping going on here!
Bowie arranged the backing vocals. There’s fly in the wall film footage of him referring to his notes and explaining what he wanted to his backing vocalists. It’s in Nacho Video and the Cracked actor documentary. Obviously it was a collaboration of great talents and I’m sure they must have improvised but he directed how he wanted it to sound.
He had many styles and was a chameleon of it ...
if this not groovin
... nothin is 🔥👍👍
Try We can be heroes and Space Oddity. You won't be dissapointed!
you have a good eye to spot Luther
His voice is fried here but cool anyway.
listen to him talk about music
Yes you did. You saw the man. Luther.
His voice had completely gone in this performance.
Probably his worst vocal performance but the song’s brilliance still shines through.
Was it? Maybe I should check out more of his performances. I don’t think I’ve seen enough of his performances to compare his vocals. This was my first time actually watching him perform something. I like the song too.
@@awordfrompresidentpat1985 There is not a lot of footage of Bowie doing this song live (I read because he did not care for it but I find that hard to believe). I recommend you check out the studio version - it is sublime. ☺️🤗👏
Yes that's Luther Vandross
His voice is completely shot. Pat, have you got worms?
That night he was pretty much high on coke. Still amazing
It's weird to see this guy's astonishment watching Bowie's video. Now he doesn't know who David Bowie is, what planet does he live on? Go wash some dishes, man!
This was great because it highlighted the amazing backup singers,but David's voice was trashed because of cocaine and overuse,give the recorded version a listen
His voice is not right here. I suspect throat trouble or maybe he just has a cold.