David Bowie Biography
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A switch of record label from RCA to EMI records saw Bowie release his most commercial work since the early 70's with "Let's Dance", produced by Nile Rodgers of 'The Chicsters'. In striking contrast to his recent excursions with Eno, the work showed Bowie embracing a new positivism with ten upbeat, uplifting songs that were both slick and exciting, hiring a young blues guitarist Steve Ray Vaughn; recording new versions of 'China Girl' and 'Cat People'. Even his interviews revealed a more open, contented Bowie figure, intent upon stressing the positive aspects of life, seemingly without ambiguity. The title track of the album gave Bowie his third solo UK no.1 and effectively revitalised his recording career in the process. The "Serious Moonlight" tour that accompanied the album played to over two million people and gathered fantastic reviews. That same year, he had two further hits, both narrowly missing the top spot in the UK charts with a reworked "China Girl" and "Modern Love". In the meantime, Bowie's influence could be detected in the work of a number of younger artists who had fallen under the spell of his various aliases. Gary Newman from the "Human League", displayed aspects of his music and imagery with varying results. Similarly, the New Romantics, from "Visage", "Ultravox" and "Spandau Ballet" to the New Pop of the "Culture Club" were all descendents of the one-time glam rocker and 'The Thin White Duke'.
David Bowie quickly followed up the "Let's Dance" album with the anticliactic "Tonight", which attracted universally bad reviews but managed to spawn a hit single with 'Blue Jean'. During 1985, Bowie was chiefly in demand as a collaborator, first with the Pat Metheny Group on 'This Is Not America') from the movie 'The Falcon and The Snowman') and next with Mick Jagger on a reworking of Martha And The Vandellas. "Dancing in the Street" for 'Live Aid'. The following year was dominated by Bowie's various acting pursuits. The much-publicised film "Absolute Beginners" divided the critics, but the strong title track provided Bowie with a major hit. He also starred in the fantasy movie "Labyrinth" and sang the theme of the anti-nuclear war cartoon feature 'When the Wind Blows'.
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