David Bowie was one of the most iconic figures in the history of rock and roll. Known for his unique style and sound, Bowie was a true innovator when it came to music. His 1983 hit “Modern Love” was no exception, and it featured some of the best musicians of the time, including the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Who Was Stevie Ray Vaughan?
Stevie Ray Vaughan was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1954. He grew up listening to blues and rock and roll, and quickly developed a love for playing the guitar. By the time he was a teenager, he was already playing in local bands and making a name for himself as one of the most talented guitarists in the area.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Vaughan gained widespread recognition for his work with the band Double Trouble. He was known for his incredible technique, his ability to improvise, and his unique sound. He also played with numerous other musicians, including Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck.
How Did Stevie Ray Vaughan End Up Playing on “Modern Love”?
David Bowie was a big fan of Vaughan’s work, and had been looking for the perfect guitarist to play on his upcoming album Let’s Dance. When he heard Vaughan’s music, he knew that he had found the right person for the job.
Vaughan was initially hesitant to work with Bowie, as he had previously turned down offers to play with other famous musicians like Mick Jagger and Peter Frampton. However, he ultimately decided to collaborate with Bowie, and the result was one of the most iconic albums of the 1980s.
The Making of “Modern Love”
“Modern Love” was one of the most popular songs on Let’s Dance, and it showcased Vaughan’s virtuosic guitar playing. The song features a catchy chorus, a driving beat, and an energetic guitar solo that perfectly captures the spirit of the 1980s.
In an interview with Guitar Player magazine, Vaughan talked about his experience playing on “Modern Love.” He said that he was initially nervous about working with Bowie, but that he quickly found his groove once he started playing.
Vaughan’s guitar work on “Modern Love” is truly impressive. He seamlessly combines elements of blues and rock and roll, creating a sound that is both familiar and unique. His solo is particularly notable, as it showcases his incredible technique and his ability to improvise on the fly.
Conclusion
“Modern Love” is a true classic, and it features some of the best musicians of the time, including the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan. Vaughan’s guitar work on the song is truly impressive, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the 1980s.
While Vaughan tragically passed away in 1990, his legacy lives on in the music of countless musicians who have been influenced by his unique style and sound. And while “Modern Love” is just one song in a long and storied career, it remains a great example of Vaughan’s incredible talent and his impact on the world of music.
FAQ
Did Stevie Ray Vaughan play on David Bowie’s Let’s dance?
Yes, Stevie Ray Vaughan did play on David Bowie’s Let’s Dance album. It was recorded in December 1982 at the Power Station in New York City. The sessions were produced by Nile Rodgers and featured players from Chic, including Rodgers on guitar and Bernard Edwards on bass. However, it was the addition of then-unknown Texas blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan on lead guitar that really stood out on the album.
Vaughan’s signature bluesy licks and searing solos added a new dimension to Bowie’s music, elevating tracks like the title track “Let’s Dance” and “China Girl” to massive commercial success. Bowie himself was so impressed with Vaughan’s playing that he allowed him complete freedom to play what he wanted without any interference.
Interestingly, Let’s Dance was the first time ever that Bowie only sang and played no instruments on his own album. This decision allowed him to fully focus on his vocal performance while surrounded by a stellar cast of musicians, including Vaughan, who went on to become one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.
In short, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s contribution to David Bowie’s Let’s Dance album cannot be overstated. His masterful guitar work helped to create a timeless and beloved record that remains a fan favorite to this day.
Who was the guitarist that worked with David Bowie?
David Bowie was one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures in rock music history, and his sound was defined by the incredible musicians he surrounded himself with. One of his most important collaborators was the guitarist Mick Ronson.
Michael Ronson was born on May 26, 1946, in Kingston upon Hull, UK. He showed an early aptitude for music and quickly began playing guitar in local bands. In the mid-60s, Ronson joined the Hull-based band The Rats, where he met frontman David Bowie. The two quickly hit it off, and in 1970, Bowie formed a new band, the Spiders from Mars, with Ronson on guitar.
With Ronson’s help, Bowie created some of his most iconic and groundbreaking music, including albums like “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” and “Aladdin Sane.” Ronson’s inventive and melodic guitar playing was a perfect complement to Bowie’s theatrical, glam-inspired persona, and the two became one of the most celebrated musical duos of the early 1970s.
Ronson’s work with Bowie was not limited to just playing guitar, however. He also contributed heavily to the production and arrangements of Bowie’s albums, and even helped co-write some of his most famous songs, including “Life on Mars?” and “Changes.”
After his work with Bowie, Ronson went on to have a successful solo career, and played with a variety of other notable musicians, including Bob Dylan, Ian Hunter, and Morrissey. Unfortunately, Ronson passed away on April 29, 1993, at the age of 46, but his legacy as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists in rock history lives on.
