CRITICS Called This Legend’s 1983 Song a DISASTER…Became His BIGGEST Hit EVER! | Professor of Rock
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- čas přidán 21. 05. 2024
- David Bowie was the foremost musical chameleon, changing his style and persona numerous times and was always ahead of the times. But in the 80s, did he finally succumb to the fad of the times? Many called his catchy 1983 #1 smash Let's Dance a sellout… but no matter, there’s no doubt this single marked a major turning point in Bowie’s career putting his face all over the new medium of music videos on MTV. But the biggest aspect of Let's Dance might be that he discovered a guitar legend in the process… even if this icon spent years distancing himself from his biggest hit. The story is next on Professor of Rock
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you’ve ever held up a real lighter at a concert when they play the ballad this channel will resonate with you. Make sure to subscribe below right now. Click the bell so you are always in the know. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
Today we’re starting a new show on our channel. We’re going to call it Career Suicide. This is where we break down an artist's song or album that took a major risk and pushed the boundaries or lost ground but always makes for a great story. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t and that’s the fun of these stories.
Today we’re covering the title track from an album that polarized two generations of fans due to its pop-centric approach. It's Let’s Dance by the late great David Bowie.
So in the early 1980s, after the release of his 14th studio album Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps), David Bowie was looking to reinvent himself. This wasn’t uncommon at all for rock’s notorious changeling, he had already passed through several iterations throughout his career...
Bowie was once again feeling his sound was becoming static and wanted a new direction. Scary Monsters had done well in the UK. Ashes to Ashes went #1, Fashion reached #5, and the title track landed at #20. But now his sights were dominance. Bowie laid the groundwork for his new era of commercial conquest when he collaborated with Queen in 1981 to issue Under Pressure. Then in 82, he teamed up with Giorgio Moroder in 1982 to release Cat People (Putting Out Fire).
In the UK, Under Pressure went to #1 and Cat People reached #26. But for the first time since Fame and Golden Years in 1975, Bowie had a top 10 hit in the states... although on the Mainstream Rock charts and not the Hot 100. Still, it was a sign of things to come.
The commercial success of these two songs proved to Bowie that he could appeal to mass audiences, particularly in America. So, at the end of 1982, with a handful of tracks already written for his next album, Bowie approached with long-time producer Tony Visconti about the new project. In anticipation, Visconti cleared three months of his calendar for Bowie.
However, before this reunion took place, there was a chance meeting. While sitting in the back of a New York after-hours club, Bowie would meet a new muse. Spied by famous American producer, funk guitarist, and Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers, the two struck up a conversation. - Zábava
Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST GUITAR SOLO on a song from the 80s?
Edie. The Cult
Prince - Purple Rain
Van Halen "Hot for Teacher"
Beat It Michael Jackson and Hells Bells AC/DC
Eddie Van Halen on Beat It
My son was in the ICU two years ago, he tried to commit suicide. I didn't know if he would live or die, and if he lived if he would have brain damage or what. I realized at that moment, there were things in life worse than death, like my son dying or him being disabled forever. That, to me, was worse than me dying. For days, I sat by his bedside. One day, I was holding his hand, and they were playing music from a Classic Rock station. As the song came on, I would talk about the song. One afternoon, this song came on. I was talking about how much I loved the song, and how the drummer on song is Tony Thompson, and how it's the first appearance of Stevie Ray Vaughn. Suddenly ... he squeezed my hand. Lightly at first, then with much strength.
And, in that moment, I knew he would be OK. I didn't realize it then, but he would actually make a full recovery.
In that moment, I decided to get a tattoo of the album title of "Let's Dance" on my arm, in the style as it appears on the album. I never had a tattoo before, but I felt compelled to remember this song forever. I knew I would always remember it, but I had to get it on me permanently.
My son graduated from college last year, with a degree in computer science and is working toward a masters. Sometimes, there are happy endings. Thank you, David, for this song.
That's an awesome story... So glad your son is doing well now!
Amazing story bro. So glad it turned out so well. You must be incredibly proud of your son.
God bless you and your son! What a marvelous miracle of recovery. And thank you for the sweet honor to David Bowie.
I'm so sorry that you went through this experience. My son was successful in his attempt 7 1/2 years ago. It makes my heart happy that you didn't have to go through the pain of losing him ..or him being a vegetable for the rest of his life. I would definitely have gotten that tattoo also. Rock on my friend ❤️
Blessings 🙏, from a Jersey mom, in Athens Greece! ♥️💐Best wishes,always!!!
"Modern Love" was the best song from that album and one of the best songs of his career.
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar at the end of “China Girl” is pure genius!
So good. What a LEGEND!
@@ProfessorofRock Here in the Dallas area, SRV is still a hero and still missed very much. :(
Yes. Some of his best work.
I'm into Omar Hakims absolutely perfect drum track on this tune. My favorite on the album. The guitar solo is magic. David's vocals....unreal.
Yes indeed! I love his solos.
Bowie was never a sell out, he was a Chameleon that would always reinvent himself.
Agreed.
Exactly!
I was a teenager in the 1970s and Bowie became my style icon! I learned to sew well at a young age, and in high school I made most of my clothes. I fell in love with Bowie's music and his classy androgynous style. I hated dresses and was not very feminine. I was inspired to make skinny pants with tuxedo-like jackets with satin lapels and quirky fabrics. We didn't have the colorful hair dyes we have now, but I shopped at an Indian boutique for silk fabrics and discovered a henna product that made my hair a deep, burgundy, almost purple and had my hair cut into what I now know was a mullet!😂
I met one of my best friends when he told me my outfit reminded him of Bowie. We bonded over music, and he introduced me to the Talking Heads in 1978 along with the punk scene. In 78 or 79, he took me and our friend, Lori to a dive bar in Dallas to hear a new band he knew we would love. He was right! It was DEVO!
We are still friends today on Facebook but we live 1500 miles apart. I was so happy when the laws changed and he could legally marry his partner of many years. He wasn't "out" in high school or he would have been beaten to a pulp by the rednecks at our school. I was happy to be his "date" (beard) because it protected both of us. I'm not gay but I'm definitely ace.
*WHO would always reinvent himself.
@@mumblesbadly7708 The reference is to the lizard, not the person. "That" is correct. Then again, so are you... if you want to argue semantics. Either version works fine. Look it up in the AP Style Guide.
“If you burnt your thumb holing up a real lighter at a concert when the ballot came on” is more like it. 😂🤣. I have done security at different venues in and around NYC from late 80’s to the late 90’s. Out of the many artists I have met during that journey, David Bowie was the nicest, most humble person I have ever met, a real gentleman. He treated his crew well.
I did that!
"If you used a real match because you didn't have a lighter and burned your thumb, you're gonna dig this channel of music nostalgia" Hee hee.
@@ProfessorofRock Burned your thumb or treated your crew well or both? Hee hee don't answer.
I would have hated it if that happened!
*ballad, not ballot
I can't fault any musician for their "commercial hits". The proceeds pay for a nice lifestyle! 🤘🤘
Gotta pay the bills.
Indeed! I wonder what makes people need to criticize making money, when the music venues don't pay what an artist is worth, because "You should play for Your art"? Staying where the artist isn't, just to criticize, is Phantasie.
@@doncook2054 That just shows to go that some who love to say "you get what you pay for" or "nothing in life is free" and accuse others of wanting something for nothing are guilty of being hypocritical and not "practicing what they preach".
Right! These hits are how they’re able to keep going.
Yea sort of reason most play. So their music gets heard.
I held Bowie’s hand during his sound and vision tour up front against the stage. So great.
WOW!
Really?
Grew up 3 houses from the Vaughan brothers, they were legends in Oak Cliff way before 1983!
THanks!
My sister has one of Stevie’s hats😊😊😊It’s his flatcap.
I met Jimmie Vaughan at an AA meeting back in the 80s, really nice guy who was honest about his struggles with substance abuse. I know I'm not supposed to mention that, but Jimmie didn't want to keep his past secret, that makes it too easy to fall back into bad habits. He helped others learn to live joyous and free without the poison of drugs and alcohol. His success inspired others.
Anyway, I'm not a fan of AA these days. They've hurt more people than they've helped IMO. There are better paths to sobriety!
What was that small town like?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Oak Cliff is a suburb of Dallas, so not really a small town. My mom bought a house there @ 1950, her backyard was right next to the Dallas Zoo, near the big cats. My big sisters loved living there back then. It was low income but they had great neighbors, it was probably the least segregated area of Dallas back then.
This song was almost perfect for the time. If Bowie fans expected David Bowie would make the same kinds of records year after year, they were mistaken.
Amen!
@@ProfessorofRock But it was great for him to return to his roots like Duran Duran did when they reunited in 2004 and returned to their old-school sound.
Can't please all the people all the time........
He always brought something new to the table.
ELO released Secret Messages in 1983... debut peak at #4... ahead it was Let's Dance, Police's Synchronicity and some guy named Michael and Thriller. 😊 Damn what a year!
I'm not sure if I've heard Michael before 😂😂😂😂
@@justinskullhead You and the OP are totally slept, hee hee. But then again, who the hell are the Fab Four?
His last name starts with J?
@@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398 😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I'm being totally facetious 😂😂😂😂 his Thriller album was the first album I ever had, but my parents had it on 8 track instead of the vinyl record. That album and the Grease Soundtrack was played over and over...my sister (who is a year older than me) used to make me play out the dances 😂😂😂😂
Like many others, I always appreciated David Bowie’s versatility. He was multidimensional and with such varied looks and sounds, he could never be boring. With his musical collaborations, he made greatness for himself and others. Thanks Professor.
RIP SRV & Bowie. Have a great day everyone, from Tampa Florida. #POR
Right back at Ya ! From the state of Washington, the Great North Wet 😂. Spring rain rn. ✌️
Thanks my friend!
Right back at you from ☀️ California.
I'm in Tampa too!! Have a great day neighbor
@@justinskullhead Howdy Neighbor
Guessed it RIGHT away!!!!!! I just can't believe it's been nearly 35 years since we lost one of the greatest guitarists that the world will ever know.
He played often at a local club, during the late 70's. Two dollars cover charge at the door. We knew he was great before the world did.
I still remember how it felt getting the news about the loss of Stevie Ray, told directly to our entire division by our leading petty officer when I was in the navy at quarters.
All sixteen of us were seriously bummed for the rest of the week.
I guessed wrong. I wa thinking Mick Ronson.
@@MsThebeMoonno shame in it Mick Ronson was talented, including arranging and producing....he made Mellencamp's "Jack & Diane" a standard
SRV!
Stevie Ray Vaughan and his fiancé were neighbours of mine when I lived in Dallas and worked at a Moto Foto,where they would often come in to get their photos processed and printed,and have a chat. They were both so down to earth,funny,and kind. Stevie gave me his homemade rum cake one Christmas-it had a lot of rum! 😂 I used to see them at the supermarket,though Stevie tended to sit and read the magazines while his fiancé did the shop. His death was so devastating to us that knew him as the guy who was a friendly,easygoing,funny,sweet man,and the fact he was a famed musician was respected-but we respected him for who he was as a person most.
Wow! Thanks for sharing.
What did that cake taste like?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Strong rum! I teased him,asking him how many bottles he used per cake! He said it was a real rum cake.
Great story!!
I think that's true of all good people. No matter their talents, being a good and kind person is life changing and I think leaves a more indelible mark (if on a smaller scale)!!!
Lucky you! :)
I think we'll be hearing stories like this about people like Keanu Reeves and Dolly Parton and Stephen King one day. Genuinely good people despite being famous, not because of.
Bowie has been makin our top 10 here in Australia Since Space Oddity in 1973 went to number 9.Sorrow in early 1974 was his his first number 1 .his other number 1 was Dancing In The Sreets with Mick Jagger in 1985 .Lets Dance peaked at 2 in 1983 .It was 1983 when David Bowie travelled to our tiny NSW outback town of Carinda to film his now iconic video for "Let's Dance"
Always liked Bowie's Young American.
This record is when I finally became a full fledged Bowie fan..... a huge part of the soundtrack of my senior year in high school......
Very cool!
Awesome! I’m about to graduate in a few weeks.
❤🎉
Stevie Ray Vaugan was indeed a genius, and I don't normally use that term loosely. Let's Dance sounds like a SRV song with Bowie's voice. SRV turned down touring with Bowie so that he could cut his first album. Worked out well for him.
RIP Stevie Ray Vaughan.
RIP David Bowie.
Thanks Professor!
Great episode.
I believe the reason he didn't tour was the money offered.
Thanks Roger!
It does. SRV shines in the spotlight on that one.
@@artheisenbergscourier5726 I live in the DFW area. Stevie being a local hero at the time. He played a festival every year in his area. While rehearsing for the 83' tour. Stevie wanted a break long enough to go play the festival and Bowie told him no. So Stevie quit
@@artheisenbergscourier5726 That's innacurate. In some of his last interviews SRV stated he just wanted to be a blues guitarist. He wasn't interested in being a sideman and having someone else shape the way he'd play. He wanted his own band and to play what he had in his heart. It was never about money. Not even in his solo career. He always just went the way his heart lead him.
Had to pull to the side of the road when the news came across the radio of SRV passing away. Devastated. RIP SRV
So sad.
@@ProfessorofRock The verdict is in: Musicians should NEVER FLY! Maybe it should be a law.
@@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398 Seriously! So many great musicians died young in aircraft crashes. Buddy Holly, Patsy Cline and Otis Redding were so young and I can only imagine the great music that died with them.💔
@@LazyIRanch Lynyrd Skynyrd, Randy Rhoads, John Denver, Jim Croce, too. Flying is risky even in normal conditions. Too much money and not enough time to travel leads to tragedy sometimes.
and beloved patsy cline what was so screwed up.about randy sharom osbourne recalled on the tourbus hit by out of control.plane landing but yeh for decades putting bands on unforgiving schedule
Bowie has secured a special place in my life. My first memories of Bowie was watching Starman on Top of the Pops here in the UK and thinking that he looked so cool. Completely different from anything else on TV at the time.
When I first heard Heroes, my mum was gobsmacked - it was the first time she had seen her autistic son cry - apparently, even as a baby I never cried! The 9 year old me didn't understand the nuances in the lyrics but something in the music spoke to my soul. Throughout my life at all the big milestones, Bowie was there with one song or another that seemed to mesh with life's highs and lows perfectly and I cried for the second time in my life when he passed away in 2016 - who would be there to mark my life with music now?!?
I was in high school in 1983 when Let's Dance came out and everyone was talking about it. I already had a lot of the older Bowie albums at that point and it was great to be able to share my 'discovery' with my friends and classmates who now understood what I had known all along.
To me, Let's Dance is a great album that stands up to repeated listenings time and time again and is just another example of Bowie's constantly evolving personas and style. There seemed to be no music genre that he couldn't excel at or lead the way for others to follow.
Thanks for sharing!
I'm surprised that "Let's Dance" failed to reach number one on the Australian charts, considering that the video was filmed there.
Ain't it ironic........... don't you think....
It's like rain-e-aaaainn..... ah shut up!
Nile Rodgers is a true producer legend & Stevie Ray Vaughan is a guitar legend!🖤🌹🙏🏽
For sure. So MUCH talent!
SRV is also a master singer/songwriter/live performer.
His guitar work and his ability to meld the styles of his idols made him great. In many ways he surpassed them with his massive talent.
Sadly gone far too soon.
@@ProfessorofRock Hi POR, viewers who misspell the name of someone they greatly admire, like this fan who misspelled Nile Rodgers' name in two places, might actually appreciate if you correct their spelling.
Three legends.
@@shiroibasketshoes Thanks for noticing. 🙏🏽I actually spelled his name correctly, but Autocorrect changed the spelling of both his first & last names. However, I’ve corrected his name in my initial post.☺️
People hate change. It doesn't matter if its music style, cars, homes or a comic book character.
David Bowie was an artist. Even with Let's Dance, he knew to go to people that were experienced in the type of music he wanted to make. So, I think he was thinking about the art when he approached the album. It was what he was feeling at the time.
His decisions afterwards shows his desire for change.
Under Pressure showed he was desiring change back then. It fit more Queen's style. Maybe it planted the seeds of change in David.
Looking back, I am grateful for all of his music. I can still listen to his music and enjoy his whole catalog. That's what made David Bowie something special.
Great record. DB was NOT a sellout he was someone who was able to perform very different styles successfully. I was never able to see him live but I always loved his weirdness and talent.
Oh, feh! Bowie played many genres. "Let's Dance" was NOT a sell out, it was a mastering!
For sure.
Right!
David Bowie made the records that David Bowie wanted to make. Power to David Bowie. Critics (some envious) can go pound sand.
I've always loved Let's Dance, but you learn something new every day. I had no idea that was SRV.
He’s amazing!
I saw him at the Forum that year, it was an incredible concert by the enigmatic Bowie. It's too bad he was so hard on himself, he was really struggling with substance back then (weren't we all in the 80's.....wild times) as well as his musical identity yet he was ever the unpredictable iconoclast.
While many of the classic rock purists called David Bowie a sellout, this was my favorite time-frame of his career and when I became a full-fledged fan of his. I consider myself more pop than rock and loved it when David went more mainstream. "Lets Dance" is an excellent song and it was produced by legendary Nile Rodgers of the great disco group Chic (who you recently covered). 1983 was my high-school graduating year so I remember when this song came out. There were 2 other pop hits that came from that album. They are "China Girl" and my favorite David Bowie song "Modern Love". Great Album and one of the many highlights of the fantastic music year of 1983.
Thanks Stephen!
We agree again.
Yes!!!
I contend he was NEVER a sell-out.
Purists are self-righteous "look at me" sticks in the mud. While I sometimes prefer an artists earlier material more it does not mean I think they are selling out. Can't they like newer stuff? The Rolling Stones and Rod Steward didn't sell out because they made a Disco song. Both their albums with Disco songs on them were still great... including the Disco song, IMO. Blondie still had good music for the New Wave crowd even with "that Disco song" as they refer to it.
Though I am not an artists I have wowed a few with all my gray hair and white beard singing MARSHMELLO or Ariana Grande at karaoke.
"Let's Dance" is the song that made me a confirmed David Bowie fan. I never felt it was a sell-out song. It was just so infectious and catchy and helped to make me a lifelong fan. Nobody else could've done this song like Bowie. We NEEDED it. Enjoyed your video, as always. :)
Same here
And another one here! Let's Dance is my "intro" song to any bar that has Touchtunes. I'll have it play as I go in
Check out the version of Let's Dance by M Ward. It's haunting.
Good call Bart!
The best part of "Let's Dance" was always when he went into the bridges "If you say run, I'll run with you", the melody was so good.
I agree totally with what you said at the end, Bowie showed that he had the talent to do anything he wanted, And I think history will look favorable upon him for that!
For sure! And he never lost his audience because he knew how to charm them.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I liked the variety. He was a cool dude for sure
Saw Bowie live in Montreal during the Glass Spider tour. Etched in my memory forever 😊
So cool!
I saw him in Portland Oregon for the Glass Spider tour ! I'd tell you how cool it was.... it was AWESOME !! Also Professor, since I found your channel a couple of months ago I haven't listened to the radio AT ALL ! Your channel is now what I listen to as I go about my day ! Your knowledge is So Vast Everyone Should be danged Impressed ! I know I am !!! Thank You Professor !!!
Saw him at Wembley Stadium on London UK on the Glass Spider tour. What a show!! I was spellbound from start to finish.
Scalped two tickets for the price of one located in front row of the second level at the Omni in Atlanta. Most memorable was when he repelled from the top of the structure to enter the stage. And, it was no "Hollywood" repel, it was him doing it! Awesome dude.
Loved the whole show, a stadium with Durans, an amazing Outfield, all leading up to the legend!
David Bowie was one of the greatest artist. I loved every phase of his career. Thank you for another great episode.
Thanks for watching!
I don't consider Let's Dance a sell out song. I didnt know who DB was until this song & I'm glad he made himself more acessible to mainstream music. I didn't have MTV so unless I heard it on the radio, I missed out on some great artists. I didn't know SRV played on Let's Dance & honestly makes me enjoy the song even more. 😀
Every interview I've heard with Bowie is great. His conversations are his greatest art.
He is so candid and honest in every single one.
It's the start of "The Phil Collins Years", as Bowie, himself, put it, but it's a fantastic album any way you look at it. And the uptempo version of "Cat People" is the underappreciated gem, with some gritty vocals by David, and more of the cutting SRV licks that pepper the album. Amazing collaboration between Bowie and Moroder. Have a great day! - Dave
Bowie had also a big talent for picking the right collaborators at the right time, you might say he sometimes used them. When the spiders of mars were expanded with horns and backgroundsingers it took a while before the spiders found out the horns and backgroundsingers got much better paid then them, the original band that really gave his carrier a rocketboost. When I hear the name Bowie I often think Mick Ronson, the man who helped him in the first place, a real musical genius but no frontman.
I love Cat People.
In a different world with Bowie still here, it would’ve been amazing to see an interview with him and the Professor. He would’ve provided a thorough dismantling of his critics and the Professor would have pulled from him the nuances that explain why Bowie was as good as he was.
How did I not know (or remember) the SRV played on this record? Awesome sound.
For sure!
Great episode! I was already hooked into Bowie with the previous album and the two main hits, Ashes & Fashion.
The video for Let’s Dance warrants its own episode… filmed in Australia, using locals in a bar who had no idea who Bowie was, the Aboriginal themes and social commentary… there’s a lot there to unwrap. Even us Aussie kids in high school watching it in 1983/4 were a little puzzled, but it was cool to see our part of the world on screen. Australia was slowly showing up on the world scene in snippets… the America’s Cup victory in 1983, Mad Max, this video, the rise of AC/DC and INXS and others, and eventually Crocodile Dundee in 1986. There’s another continent on the other side of the planet? Who knew?
In an interview David said ‘Being a rock n roll icon doesn’t pay the bills, selling albums does’. And I love this album as an addition to his legend.
"Pop Star" was just another one of his artistic personas.
Indeed!
3 great talents coming together to join forces and create a catchy listenable album. Put this album up against anything produced today. It's not even a contest.
FOr sure!
This album beats out even Taylor Swift.
Once more, I could tell during the teaser it was about Bowie's "Let's Dance". I still have yet to hear the whole *Let's Dance* album, but I still think the world owes a debt to it. The day it was issued in 1983, David Bowie announced that he was seeing his "favorite female singer" that night, Tina Turner. He went there, accompanied by several label chiefs and other celebrities to Tina's show that night, an event that helped solidify what was previously a shaky contract that she had with Capitol Records (Bowie was on the EMI America adjunct). That activated Tina's trajectory to becoming the juggernaut that she was for the following 40 years.
The whole issue regarding whether David Bowie went blatantly mainstream it's probably going to play the history of popular music for generations. He was not the only one during the 80s who was accused of making that move. It happened with various art rock piers of his such as Yes, the Moody Blues, Chicago, Genesis, Queen, Journey, Styx, Ambrosia and Kansas (if I'm not mistaken). Having been a Chicago fan since the late 90s, it's always going to bug me the way certain pockets of followers think a given act belongs to them and not the others. That also happened when I tried telling the members of The Yacht Rock forum on Facebook about how Ambrosia began as an American progressive rock act. They said Ambrosia was never prog rock that they were always Yacht Rock that bothered me, even though I have yet to explore those early records of theirs.
The funny thing about the Yacht Rock crowd saying that Ambrosia has always been Yacht Rock, is that they could not have, because Yacht Rock didn't exist when Ambrosia started.
It's like religious fanaticism on many levels. Don't you think, @@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398?
I never knew that about Ambrosia.
Bowie was a master of re-invention. I was doing a lil exploring in a long abandoned house on my street and found a newspaper from around 1975? ish with a big article about how Bowie rocked the Olympia arena in Detroit with his new 'Thin White Duke' persona on the Diamond Dogs tour
He wasn't a sell-out. He was an artist following his muse. I'm sure he was also keen on earning money, fans, and most importantly for him, the freedom to work on what he wanted. I admire his creativity - and miss his contributions to art and the world. I can't say I cry over the deaths of many celebs - but when he (and Pete Seeger) died, there were tears. What a cool human.
For me it was Prince and Tina Turner.
For me, Freddie Mercury and Bowie.
I'll be heartbroken when we lose Paul Simon and Barry Gibb.
Lets dance was the first Bowie album after he was signed to EMI America. I remember he was on the news because the deal was worth like 30 million ( for 2 or 3 records) which was a big deal in 1982 before EMI even heard the album.Then Bowie got another 20 million for selling his royalties up front. EMI America knew Bowie was popular worldwide but they wanted Bowies music and persona to be more mainstream and polished for the American market. When Lets dance was a hit and he was huge in the US, he seemed to lose motivation. Getting a huge payout has destroyed a lot of artists and sportsmen because when you have everything, people get lazy and theres nothing more to prove. In 1986 Absolute beginners is a great Bowie song written for a movie.. and he had a couple of OK albums in the 2000's but he is still one of my all time favorite singers. His voice was unique. I think his best years was 1970-1977.
@@tubester4567 This is an amazing comment. Thanks for sharing. The only thing I take issue from what you said is "he seemed to lose motivation." I don't disagree with it per se, and can't say I know enough to speak about it at all, but creatives move with the wind - and for someone like DB, who lived so hard, maybe it was enough - and because he had no financial urgencies (again, I'm speaking like I know... but I don't), I wonder if he just changed course.
@@kellyplaner7137 Lose motivation might not be the right words. Im just speculating but I remember he was huge after Lets Dance, but his next 2 EMi releases were not great, Golden Years was OK then he kind of disappeared except 1986 when Absolute Beginners was released for a movie soundtrack. then he disappeared again released a few things that were not well received post EMI . Then he randomly appeared in the 2000's with a better album and then Blackstar was released just after he died and nobody knew he was sick. He made the last couple of records with Tony Visconti from the early days and it sounded more like classic Bowie. At least a couple of the singles there was also some experimental music.
Maybe after Lets Dance, he just resented being forced to release albums to fulfill his contract with EMI and he wanted to move on. Maybe he didnt agree with EMI's direction or he just didnt like working with corporate suits, He wouldnt be the first. Prince admitted to putting all his worst material on the albums to get the record company off his back and fulfill his contract so he could move on.
Bowie was a legend no doubt Theres a catalog of Bowie gems from the 1970's albums. that he made with his arty friends and producers like Toni Visconti and Brian Eno and his weird friends like Iggy Pop. They were also his drug taking years which worked for him, at least until 1977 when he looked a skinny paranoid mess and finally got clean. Theres an interview with Bowie on CZcams from the Dick Cavert Show in 1974 and he is obviously drug affected and acting weird.
Another huge hit was Under Pressure with Queen in 1981. It was a worldwide hit and probably the song that forced EMI to realize that Bowie still had it, and they were prepared to pay him 50 million before He even had any new songs for EMI to listen to. I never get sick of his 70's music. and still sounds great today. He was unique, instantly recognizable voice with an emotion that few singers are capable of. Genuine legend for me.
David Bowie is still very much alive in New York, every January there are a series of tribute concerts and dance parties across the city. Feels like he never left, RIP Bowie
We are Bowie fans in my family except for hubby! My daughters are 30 and 31. Big fans!
Great episode! (from an SRV fan)
It might have been a pop song in the 80s but it is a regular rotational Bowie song on my local Classic Rock station. No matter what the critics, pro and fan, thought of it then, when it comes on, I gotta increase the volume. His voice is the magic for me. Between the Lets Dance refrain, his vocals ring with the authenticity that can Only be Bowie.
To me all of the greats who have music throughout several generations have a sound that you know "that can Only be ____________" and it stands as loved cannon for that artist. Lets Dance is the neon pulsing 80s Bowie. A beloved artist who shed a Ziggy into Stardust and reemerged as a brightly hued star glittering on my MTV. It fits well within his overall catalogue, and I dont avoid it because of the sound or era he was in at the time. I embrace it, and actively choose to enjoy it.
SRV 🎸 and the help from Bernard and Nile😮
I've been a huge Bowie fan since junior high school in the mid-70. As for your statement of selling out? You bet he did, every night of the serious Moonlight tour. I should know, I was one of those people at the show when he played Tacoma Dome August 11, 1983.
THanks! I was only repeating the talk of the time. I don't believe in the term sell out
I was a Bowie fan when I walked into a Great American Music store and heard Putting Out Fire the first time. I immediately went to the counter, asked the clerk and then grabbed the album. The music changed while I was looking at other music that day and it was the Poledouris Conan The Barbarian Soundtrack. Once again I asked what music it was and immediately grabbed the album. I still have those 2 vinyl albums from 40+ years ago and listen to the soundtracks all the time. There is nothing like hearing The Myth late at night when you're relaxed and thinking. It's such a great song with Bowie's humming . Then Let's Dance came out. I grabbed it right away and have loved that album ever since. It's what made me a Bowie Fan.
THanks!
A great album for sure.
Let's Dance is the first Bowie video I ever watched so I really like that era of his music. I actually like it better than his earlier work.
David was one of the greatest artists of any era. Thoroughly enjoyed all of his music no matter what genre or decade it was. R.I.P. David, your music will always make people smile and will live on forever.
When I was a kid and didn't know any better, it didn't phase me. When I was in my mid-teens in the late 1980's and discovered SRV, I got a chuckled out of seeing Bowie in the video playing that solo with the gloves on... 🤣
Ha ha! Right?
In the 80s my mom wanted to go to a Huey Lewis and the News concert. I agreed and bought tickets only to discover that SRV was the opening act. It was one of the best concerts ever!
😜
From "Space oddity" to Ziggy, to Young American, to Ashes to ashes, the very event that made me a Bowie fan. Him and Bing Crosby, a Christmas duet, little drummer boy, and peace on earth. I'm loving the alien, tonight.
Bowie was amazing no matter how many times he reimagined himself! He was a true legend!
Amen!
Never boring just refreshing.
I remember summer of 1983 I lived in Baltimore, MD. I was 8 years old when I heard this song great song one of my favorites. My favorite Bowie song is China Girl. Summer of 1983 my favorite summer. Let's dance really takes me back whenever I hear it.
I liked CG too!
Right back to 83, one of the best years in music. Thanks Wayne!
@@ProfessorofRock Yeah, I was 10 that summer, and as a kid, I never even picked up on the subversive lyrics of the bridge of 'China Girl' with the swastikas reference.
July 9, 1983 was a chart that changed the game!
David Bowie? That's what I first thought. Then I see others mention "Let's Dance. I knew I was on target.
I never cease to be amazed how Adam knows, every single time, the music, the songs and the stories that I'll find most interesting. Heck, even I don't know..... I just see a thumbnail and I click and it works every time.
That song is legitimately one of the best mixed songs of all time.
David’s collaborator and partner during the ziggy/aladin phase was Tony Zanetta. Tony was my neighbor while I was in grade and middle school. We always knew he was different:)
Serious? That's so cool!
@@ProfessorofRock I can maybe get you in touch if that’s something you’d like. FYI I went to high school with 10000 Maniacs. I see Dennis around quite often :) We have a very unusual amount of talent here. Lol
I think "put on your red shoes and dance the blues" is just a cool line. Doesn't strike me as having any deeper message.
In an interview with Bowie, he showed that he wrote songs one line at a time and rearranged (literally cut and paste) the lines into songs. He himself said people looked for too much meaning in his lyrics.
Don’t forget the woodblock and the conga parts in “Let’s Dance.” So cool and groovy!
🙋🏾♂️ Damn I miss the 80's.
Ditto
@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr Both of you need to play the music and watch the movie then. The 80s are alive and well. I discovered a "new band" called Souixie and the Banshees". I probably misspelled it but even when it's right, it's wrong.
The Berlin era Bowie is my favourite
hell ya! Low, Hero’s, & Lodger 🤘🤘
This is gonna be a little out there, but:
"Let's Dance" is the first song I remember listening to on an airplane flight, back when the "headphones" they gave you were those plastic stethoscope kinda things that basically just piped the sound up to your head from the armrest.
Love everything about this tune, thanks for the lesson, Professor!
Every time I hear the song "Lets Dance" it reminds me of my time as a DJ at what was then 102FM in San Luis Obsipo CA. It was my second job in radio. Great memories of 1982/83. And of course my favorite while I was on the air, "Shes a Beauty" by The Tubes. I even met Fee Waybill at a casino around 2004. That was a shocker.
Yaaaaay! The Professor's application of the "Legend" superlative was actually accurate and appropriate today 🤘
I usually say icon a lot ...Not legend.
@@ProfessorofRock In this case you can fire at will with both words👍
I loved this shift in Bowie and thought that he met more of his full potential during that era. Other 70s performers had to make the shift in the '80s as well In order to continue to thrive... My favorite is clearly Modern Love as I played it endlessly in 1983
Modern Love and China Girl are my faves.
Thank you for helping to keep David alive in our hearts. He was my second love at age 9 through his death (after Johnny Cash at age 3 :) ). He was an artist of poetry, mime, stage and song. He was amazing!
Being a little kid during his "Ziggy Stardust" phase, "Let's Dance" was my 13 year old selfs introduction to DB. It was also my introduction to SRV. Bowie kinda passed in and out of my life but Stevie Ray became a hero to me and inspired me to pick up a guitar. I'll ALWAYS be fond of Bowie for that.
"Let's Dance" and "China Girl" are 2 of my favorite Bowie tunes but nothing comes close to "Heroes".
Kudos for still supporting Moz !!! He’s the best !
It's his birthday today.
If you listen to Morrisey, you'll hear Bowies infulence.
THanks!
Moz?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980good il.moz stephen morrrisey a nickname 65 today venerable musician he is not from.the city from thr northern suburbd i didnt know until.manc mate showed me where he was from.same andy johhny but different stop.few miles south on the line mancs very friendly regardless where your from a mate hung out with in dales pub also
Let’s Dance was released during the spring of my junior year in college. The album dominated the charts and received massive radio and MTV airplay for the following months as each of the three dynamite singles, “Let’s Dance,” “China Girl” and “Modern Love” were released and enormously accepted.
I saw Bowie’s “Serious Moonlight Tour in September 1983 with opening acts Madness and the Go-Go’s. Both groups were at the height of their commercial success.
Although 1983 was not as great a year as 1984 (IMHO), the music that was released that year was still amazing: The Police released Synchronicity, Men At Work’s Business As Usual LP was tops, and don’t forget Michael Jackson’s Thriller album was still dominating the charts throughout the year. MTV was also nearing its video artist-breaking peak.
The Professor accurately nails the significance of both Nile Rodger’s and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s contributions to the album’s success. While Nile Rodgers’ Bowie contribution was perhaps the start of his ascendance to critical acclaim as a Rock or New Wave producer, this was big. Here was an African-American artist known for his Disco success showing that the gulf between Disco/R&B/Soul music was not that foreign to Rock and New Wave. After Let’s Dance Rodgers produced hit records for Duran Duran, Mick Jagger, Madonna and the B-52's, to name just a few of the artists. Finally, the artificial barriers between Black and White music fans’ tastes were being shattered.
As for Stevie Ray Vaughan, I believe that was the first time I heard his music. I became a fan, purchased his albums, and eventually saw him in concert at a small college gym two years before his tragic death. The only real controversy surrounding the Let’s Dance album as far as I was concerned was Stevie’s disagreement with Bowie over whether he would be allowed to open for the tour during any Texas dates and perhaps his absence from the Serious Moonlight Tour.
I’ve never stopped playing the Let’s Dance album and listening to the tunes takes me back to some of the best years of my young life. Finally, I was a Bowie fan before Let’s Dance and also enjoy his earlier work. There’s certainly range in my palette for both eras of Bowie’s career.
Good subject to cover. There were so many versions of D B. He was never happy to be known as what he was, so he changed. But almost everything he put out was different for that time. He was never predictable.
I’m another who became a fan because of this song. The video is one of the best of the 80’s
I agree. It helped make MTV
Not a sellout... he loved music for music's sake, and was willing to try all kinds of new things. He was a trailblazer, and God rest his soul, he was a gift to us.
One of my favorite songs. The relationship between the drums and bass line is what makes this song.
No question. Love your screen name!
And the echoing effect.
Back in the Saddle Again Naturally
I had a really weird dream the other night where I was on a train with the surviving members of Led Zeppelin. We were on a mountain where some sort of nightclub was partying a little bit below us. I said goodbye to John Paul Jones, jumped off the train, and there I was. Then who should be there but David Bowie! I greeted him, and then the dream ended.
All strangeness aside, David Bowie rocks! For some reason my sister hates this song. My favorite album of his is probably Aladdin Sane.
Dreams are a trip!
That’s a wild dream!
A great segment. One of my favorite artists. I have too many to mention. I never thought about the critic side of it. I always jist enjoyed his music. Thanks Professor, I thoroughly enjoy the trivia and the interviews n everything in between. Thanks again.
I remember seeing the music video for the first time and I was mesmerized! The imagery and music was so good I couldn't turn away!
I remember liking that he made an album a little more commercial. Seemed to fit in what was going on back then (MTV)
He fit the MTV image.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 He sure did! :)
Thumbnail: By accident
Title: On accident
Me: first one is correct
My spouse: second one is correct
Just from that, I would guess that you are 45+ and your spouse is younger than 40.
I'm with you. "By accident" is definitely my phrase of choice.
First one.
@@glennjpanting2081 Haha, you're actually pretty damn close. I'm 43, my spouse is 36.
Me: "accidentally" or "by accident". 44
@@Erichwanh I figured. The age of 40 seems to be the dividing line between those two phrases. I will be 55 this year, so I definitely feel your pain.
Whenever I watch these videos, I have to go and listen to the songs to hear all the nuances I never noticed before! It’s like listening to the song for the first time all over again! Such a great channel!
My favorite David Bowie album. Anna wants to go out, I wanna stay in! That was so me back then and been awhile I need to dig out my tape and play it!
Yes please do!
I always thought David toured with SRV. ( to a limited extent)
Hey ProRo,🤓 and Fellow Classmates did you hear the terrible news this morning? Graceland is up for auction right now! His granddaughter is trying to halt ! What are your thoughts on this ?
Tennessee doesn't need the $$. Make it a national landmark!
You said Gracland and my mind went to the Paul Simon album! 🤣 I guess I better go bid 😉
So how did that happen? I thought it was supposed to be Riley's anyway.
@@ChristChickAutistic It was used for a loan which was repaid but late. Not knowing that it wasn't accepted
@@Sweet--Richard.4981 There's too much money 💰 and too much Nostalgia to do that!
That album "Lets Dance" was 80's tastic! Talk about a time stamp you couldn't go to the store, school, even to church without Bowie playing on the radio. As one commenter said he's not a sell out he's a chameleon fits it best. When it's said and done Bowie is well..............an entertainer he'll re-invent do his job to the best of his ability and that's all you can ask. Him and Peter Gabriele were similar like that really. They just was worth every cent.
From Starman to Under pressure, he was a legend who reinvented himself so well. Sadly missed. 👍🎸👍🎸👍
lol, the gag about holding up a lighter during a concert got me nostalgic.
I remember holding up my Zippo lighter during so many ballads over the years. but the big one was during a performance by Ozzy. During "Mama I'm Coming Home". I held the lighter up so long it ran out of fluid. That's also the night I found out the cigarette lighter in my car didn't work anymore. Leaving the show, desperate for a smoke, I had no working Zippo and no working car lighter. That was the night I started carrying an "emergency Bic" lighter in my back pocket. I did eventually give up the cigarettes of course, but at the time I was mad at myself for not bringing extra lighter fluid for the Zippo.
And an SRV story vid. I'm sure this will be a good one. Thanks Adam.
Great video. Bowie was always at his best when he shed his skin. He had albums where he was stuck in a rut, but when he moved on, great things happened. Loved Tin Machine as well. Great video and great analysis.
Let’s Dance was the perfect 80’s song. Bowie was not afraid to change with the times. Still miss him
I love how i learn something new about music every single day listening to this channel...i promise im paying attention in class Professor 😂...
Bowie was a true mystic and went out as such. Thanks for covering!
David Bowie is an absolute rock treasure. He was ground breaking! I don’t understand people accusing artists of selling out. If they’re doing what they love, and still making a living doing it, why is this a bad thing? Isn’t that what we should all be aiming for in life?
Bowie is one of those writers that are able to write melodies so infectious, I can't get them out of my head. I suppose that's why he had so many hits. My favorite Bowie album is "Station to Station". Roy Bittan's piano on "TVC15" is great. I always thought of "Let's Dance" as the thinking man's disco song.
Good call!
Great way of putting it!