Philadelphia

David Bowie's ‘Young Americans' Philadelphia Connection

Singer David Bowie’s Philadelphia roots include two of his most famous albums that were both recorded in the region.

The legendary singer died Sunday after an 18-month battle with cancer, said a post on his Facebook page.

Bowie's career spanned five decades with hits like "Fame," "Modern Love," "Heroes" and "Let's Dance" as he popularized the “glam rock” movement in the 70s.

Bowie's first official live album, "David Live" was recorded in the summer of 1974, at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby during the initial leg of Bowie's U.S. "Diamond Dogs" tour.

Bowie then accumulated a series of musicians including R&B legend Luther Vandross later that year to record much of “Young Americans” at Sigma Sound Studios on N 12th Street in Philadelphia. Some of the reels from that recording session now belong to Drexel University.

The "Young Americans" album is widely considered to be one of Bowie’s finest.

Following the Philly recording sessions the second leg of his tour was renamed "Philly Dogs."

He would go on to play many concerts in Philly including shows at the Spectrum and on the Camden waterfront.
 

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