Young Americans: The inside story of David Bowie's great album from 1975
Young Americans by David Bowie was released 50 years ago, in 1975.
David Bowie's trusted band member Mike Garson recalls the relief of reaching the final date of the Diamond Dogs tour in December 1974 in Atlanta. A sober individual himself, the pianist had been saddened by his bandleader’s health decline and drug abuse during the gruelling tour. It had pained him to watch a painfully gaunt Bowie having to support himself with a cane.
Days after the tour finished, Bowie and his band appeared on the Dick Cavett Show on US TV. Despite his condition, an incredible performance was delivered. Few could argue against the fact this was one of the great Bowie television appearances, brimming with a raw and soulful funk energy. He had also summoned another master of his craft in saxophonist David Sanborn, utilising him on Young Americans the way that he did Garson on Aladdin Sane.
