Fifty years ago, in 1975, David Bowie hit a new high with his first US number one single, “Fame.” The single came from his ninth studio album, Young Americans , which explored a funk-driven sound. But the groovy tune is perhaps more complicated than it meets the eye, as the narrative of “Fame” outlines Bowie’s dissatisfaction with fame. Recorded in New York, the song was actually co-written spontaneously with Beatles legend John Lennon , who was also in the city at the time. The monumental collaboration resulted in one of Bowie’s most well-known works, and half a century on, it remains a pop culture landmark.

The Making Of "Fame" With John Lennon

In 1974, David Bowie was in New York, totally immersed in its artistic scene and learning more about the sounds of funk and soul. H

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