David Bowie

Young Americans

First released1975

Young Americans was recorded primarily at the Record Plant in New York during late 1974, with additional sessions at the Electric Lady Studios. The album was produced by David Bowie and Tony Visconti, marking a significant shift toward a more soul and funk-influenced sound, departing from Bowie's glam rock aesthetic. Engineer Harry Maslin played a crucial role in the recording process, helping to capture the album's sophisticated production with layered instrumentation and prominent use of the Fender Rhodes electric piano. The sessions featured session musicians including guitarist Carlos Alomar, bassist George Murray, and saxophonist David Sanborn, contributing to the album's R&B-influenced character. Released in March 1975, Young Americans was a commercial success and influenced Bowie's artistic direction during the mid-1970s, eventually leading to the creation of the Station to Station album.