Fame

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some groovy trivia about David Bowie’s “Fame,” the funky chart-topper from his 1975 album Young Americans, spinning now on THE ZOO! This track, co-written with John Lennon and guitarist Carlos Alomar, was Bowie’s first U.S. number-one single, hitting the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1975. Bowie described the song as “nasty, angry,” reflecting his frustration with fame’s downsides, particularly his management issues with MainMan and manager Tony Defries. The lyrics, like “bully for you, chilly for me,” take a sharp jab at the hollow trappings of stardom. Lennon’s unmistakable falsetto chanting “Fame” spans an impressive three octaves, from a Yoko Ono-like soprano to a Johnny Cash-deep basso, adding a raw edge to the funk-rock vibe. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York in January 1975, the song’s creation was spontaneous—legend has it Bowie wrote the lyrics in just five minutes after Lennon played him the Beatles’ “Shame, Shame, Shame,” proving a great song could come together fast.

Another cool tidbit for you Zoo Crew listeners: “Fame” made history when Bowie performed it on Soul Train in November 1975, becoming one of the first white artists to grace the show’s stage. He was nervous, reportedly downing a few drinks to calm his jitters before miming “Fame” and “Golden Years.” The song’s influence rippled through music—George Clinton tweaked its groove for Parliament’s “Give Up the Funk,” and James Brown lifted the riff note-for-note for his 1976 track “Hot (I Need to Be Loved, Loved, Loved).” Bowie later admitted he had “no idea” the song would be such a commercial hit, saying in 1990, “I wouldn’t know how to pick a single if it hit me in the face.” In a 2001 chat with artist Tracey Emin, he downplayed fame’s allure, noting it “doesn’t even get you a Madonna ticket these days.” The song’s legacy endures, landing at number 8 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 and earning a spot in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

Let’s rewind to how David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, kicked off his legendary career. Growing up in Bromley, Bowie was hooked on music early, picking up the saxophone at 13, inspired by his half-brother Terry, who introduced him to rock and beat literature. By 16, after graduating from Bromley Technical High School, he worked as a commercial artist while gigging with bands like Davy Jones and the Lower Third. To avoid confusion with The Monkees’ Davy Jones, he adopted the name Bowie, inspired by the 19th-century American pioneer Jim Bowie’s knife. His early singles flopped, and his 1967 self-titled album went nowhere, leading him to briefly step away from music. In 1967, he even spent weeks at a Buddhist monastery in Scotland, contemplating becoming a monk. His 1969 single “Space Oddity,” timed with the Apollo 11 moon landing, finally cracked the UK top five, marking his first big break.

Bowie’s career exploded in 1972 with the glam-rock masterpiece The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, driven by the single “Starman.” His flamboyant, androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust captivated audiences, cementing his status as a cultural icon. By 1975, when “Fame” dropped, Bowie had pivoted to “plastic soul” with Young Americans, a bold shift that alienated some UK fans but won him a massive U.S. audience. Known as the “chameleon of rock” for his constant reinvention, Bowie’s influence stretched across genres, inspiring artists from punk to hip-hop. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, leaving a legacy that still resonates.

Want to dive deeper into Bowie’s world, Zoo Freaks? Check out his official website at davidbowie.com for news, music, and more. Follow his official socials on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates from the Bowie estate. Fans can connect on the BowieFanDataBase Facebook group or explore the award-winning David Bowie Wonderworld fan site, packed with daily news, lyrics, discography, and forums. Another great spot is David Bowie News, celebrating his genius with anniversary updates and event coverage. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more Bowie vibes!