David Bowie on Lou Reed, Writing and New York | American Masters: In Their Own Words
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ม.ค. 2016
- David Bowie: In Memoriam. A never-before-seen outtake from Bowie's 1997 interview for the American Masters film "Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart." Bowie speaks about working with Lou Reed, literary influences, writing lyrics, and what New York City means to him.
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The legendary musician David Bowie (1947 - 2016) was interviewed by filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders for Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart (1998). Reed's "I'm Waiting for the Man," recorded for The Velvet Underground's debut album in 1967 was a revelation to Bowie, who released his own debut album that same year. By 1972, Bowie and Mick Ronson had co-produced Reed's solo album Transformer (1972). In this video, Bowie also reveals what bands he think should do singles for Transformer songs "Satellite of Love," "Perfect Day," "Vicious," "Make Up," and "New York Telephone Conversation."
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American Masters, THIRTEEN’s award-winning biography series, celebrates our arts and culture. Launched in 1986, the series has set the standard for documentary film profiles, accruing widespread critical acclaim. Awards include 70 Emmy nominations and 28 awards - 10 for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series since 1999 and five for Outstanding Non-Fiction Special - 12 Peabody Awards; three Grammys; an Oscar; two Producers Guild Awards for Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television; and the 2012 IDA Award for Best Continuing Series. American Masters enjoys recognition from film events across the country and international festivals from London to Berlin and Toronto to Melbourne. Other honors include The Christopher Awards and the Chicago International Television Awards as Outstanding Documentary Series, and the Banff Grand Prize and the Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Movies.
What a breath of fresh air Bowie was. He’s sorely missed
The height of inscrutable pretentiousness.
Disturbing still and for ever
I doubt the air was ever fresh when Bowie was around, for very obvious reasons.
Yep, and Lou.
The lack of fresh air is what got him down in 2004 or so and likely played significant part in his demise 12 years later. It is really mindboggling how many artists have died (way) too soon due to smoking. Bowie being one of them. Also: yes, he is very intelligent and has made many of my favourite songs and with Roxy Music is one of my favourite artists, but he has done some awful things that make him far less likable than he comes across in interviews. Like severly undderpaying bandmembers and sacking them when they argued about it. In fact: sacking one of them, by phone, on his wedding day. He sort of apologised for that 20 years later but that is a bit too late to be sorry. I am not so fond of David Bowie anymore due to many of similar behaviours, Mick Ronson being another victim of his egotistic personality.
RIP Lou Reed And David Bowie greatest musicians
Neither considered themselves musicians. .. just saying.
@@morbidmanmusic well, they sure weren't shortstops
I love listening to him talk. He's so eloquent and knowledgeable. He had one of the most calming, velvety voices ever.
Met Bowie 2-3 times and what you see here is what you got. A very friendly man who talked to everyone and made friends wherever he went!
Awww. You're so lucky you got to meet him. He seemed to be a generous lovely man. He is dearly missed.
You're extremely lucky... what I wouldn't give to have met him and appreciated it.
I am not sure I believe you on account of your name...
I would definitely remember if I met Bowie 2 times or 3 times. Just saying.
@@rjp7164 Who cares, jealous bitch?
Not to sound like a grandad but younger fans don't know how lucky they are to have this wealth of interviews, information and free access to basically every song ever recorded by these artists.
When I was young there might be the odd short interview in a music magazine or a 3-minute appearance on a standard late-night talk show. You'd hear he was interviewed on a radio show but you missed it as you didn't know.
I could only afford so many records and that was literally all the music you had. Even finding out bands existed was pretty hard. All the radio stations played was chart music and we had one "alternative" music show on the radio a week.
I've been fans of these artists for 40 years but I've heard more music and seen more interviews and learned more about them since TH-cam came along than I had in the previous 30+ years.
If you have an inquisitive mind the internet is absolutely life-changing. Young people are so incredibly lucky in this aspect of their lives. Access to all information and all entertainment is such a change to life.
Beauty is wasted on the youth. The internet is wasted on the unappreciative.
Oh, @anyonecansee - you are so 100% right about that. I've only been able to access internet reasonably well for 3 years and I've learned more about David in those 3 years than in the previous 50!
@@solitairestarr5516 - Yeah, such a positive side to the internet. I didn't know Leonard Cohen so well, just a few tracks, but I've become a massive fan due to TH-cam and have taken many deep dives through albums, live performances and interviews.
Have fun!
@@AnyoneCanSee My brother is a big fan of Cohen - he found it on TH-cam. When I visit him we will stream Leonard all evening. 😃I have liked Cohen since the 1970s! I am not someone who doggedly sticks to one genre. Have fun exploring music missed out on through decades with only radio and MTV...😀
@@solitairestarr5516 All their albums existed before internet with a better sound.
"Glam rock? I'm sorry, you've lost me there."
(big grin).
A man with a sense of humor about himself. Very attractive quality.
RIP David Bowie.
RIP? How about... rest well as we carry on your many messages, you bloody icon.
@@CaleSchmitz RWAWCOYMMYBI?
Overblown nonsense.
The title is ON LOU Reed.
Could you imagine having that vinyl Velvet’s demo from 65’?
Fuck if i was a billionaire id probably offer 10 mil.+
Center signed by Andy warhol
I colud cut one hand to get that album, For sure!!!!
NO. BEYOND my cool rate.
Yup
I love his mentions of Blur, Suede, and Placebo. Bowie was always very appreciative of those who followed in his path, especially the ones whose music he liked.
I thought the songs he ascribed from Transformer for each of these bands to cover were very suited to their styles as well.
I like the fact that Gerry Mulligan is mentioned. 😮
A talented genius with a great sense of humor and history. Just a work of art in Human form. Earth is duller without you, David. Your contributions and influence are infinite.
JonMatt62 idiot get outta the herd
Precisely. He is a combination of great literature, philosophy, art, and music.
You said exactly what I was thinking!!
JonMatt62 I so agree
Can a non-genius identify "genius"? Or is it simply an ego trip on the part of the non-genius?
"I tend to get far more baroque than Lou, but that's the British in me." I love everything this man says. His "fingers drip myrrh," to quote Sylvia Townsend Warner
“I say what I mean. Eventually. I tend to go the long way ‘round.” 😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️
Bowie always gave the best interviews.
He really did. What an intelligent, well-spoken man, and humble and polite to boot. Must have been a joy to talk with (provided you weren't a fan and shitting yourself with excitement 😆).
Very smart man for sure
Scholarly!
He was so incredibly refined, intelligent, curious, friendly, witty, and cool.
David Bowie looks like a Jedi here !
Erm, I mean ... David Bowie is a JEDI !
+The Woman With No Head You're damn right
Tibetan Manchu inspired wear
Hey David bowie your songs
I immediately thought this was David Tenant when I saw the thumbnail.
TWWNH...Well thought out interpretation of the effect that Bowie had on the 2 of us..thanks for that :)
When David commented on a musician's passing saying "sadly he is no longer with us", it made me so sad thaf beautiful Bowie is no longer with us, still heartbroken, forever in my heart. X
It sucks and it’s sad to see that cigarette in his hand.
EVH and Charlie Watts too, although Watts was obviously a lot older.
I get why people smoked back in the 40s but they’ve known for decades how bad they are for you.
I had an aunt die from cancer that was more than likely brought on by her smoking and it’s not the way I’d want to die.
For someone so artistic and mysterious, he speaks so openly and transparently honest about his work with a kindness
David Bowie doing a Christopher Walken impression is absolutely priceless.
A genius yes, but also a genuinely nice guy
Not really, the spiders from Mars we’re totally ripped off by him
@@poolieboy6403 As if you would have a clue what happened or why it happened? David Bowie needed to move in a different direction. Unfortunately, not everyone will be going along for the ride.
@@patriciawright8786 the Spiders who were with him from the start were paid a pittance on the Ziggy tour, Mike Garson the newly hired piano player was paid 10 times their weekly wages, learn the story before commenting.
@@poolieboy6403 Paid a pittance by who? Bowie? No, paid by the management. Bowie was also ripped off by the management.
I can definitely hear The Velvet Underground inspiration for his song Heroes. It has that garage sound The Velvets had :)
I think you can hear more on the Man who sold the world and David Bowie (album). Early Bowie... But the later albuns are more grounded, at that time (heroes) he made his new sound inspired by other things and himself of course.
Heroes está inspirado en un grupo alemán
@@jessica5497 Lol, you can think what you want, but the fact that VU influence ran through David's entire career has been known for a very long time
@@II-xl7ljno need to be rude, I didn't say anything different, I literally said that VU inspired several Bowie albums ... But was not the case with heroes, that was a transition phrase that went through different influences like Brian Eno and Kraftwerk and Bowie himself
the whole storytelling in ziggy is the most lou i see in bowie(:
of course he was always telling stories also, lou is really the massive influence when it comes to david's lyrics, he may have even done it more beautiful than lou, but i don't know, love them both
The most coolest bloke EVER!... I miss him so much.
Handsome genius he was.
+scccrm 973 - Sexy beast!
+Lady BlackStardust yes
Understatement of the century, the sisterhood has spoken......
handsome, genius, talented, charming, intelligent....you name it
He was sensual, he had something very magnetic about him..I guess it was his whole personality, intelligence, sensuality....he had something.... and I don't think he had surgery.
David is the only person that fits into the ”He ain’t dead, he just went home” joke from the first Men in Black movie
Edgar Suit
Those who iolize pop stars have no lives of their own.
@@jnagarya519 or maybe those who idolize pop stars have someone to look up to, be it their character, achievements, good entertainment, or whatever else
@@jnagarya519 I'm not sure that's all true. I think the crowd that obsessively buys paparazzi type gossip magazines might be guilty of that.
They never die, just go sleep one day.
I wish i was like him. I wish i had the courage to express myself as freely as he did.
Joey Salads Thank you very much, you are totally right, Bless you, man ;)
For the past few months, ever since ha passed, I have been trying to find the same courage. For his sake and mine. I hope I can, and I hope you do too!
Well said, sir.
Suresh Nair we´re together, man ;)
practice makes perfect!
People like David Bowie and Lou Reed brought legitimacy to new ways of expression for a sequestered suburban kid like me. People thought I may be insane, but at least I had good company in the form of their work to which I owe an untold amount of gratitude.
Lou Reed and David Bowie...Gods Nuff Said !!!
Far better interview by PBS than 95% of musician interviews. Respect to Bowie, who understands Lou Reed's work way better than I do.
That earring is cool af
I disagree.
Invenum it's david bowie, everything he wears is cool
No
Me? I like the shirt.
Looks like pussy
Every song on Transformer is wonderful.
Sweetest thing ever is to see the coolest person in the world at 6.10 going to take a sip from the mug only to look down and realise it has been repurposed as an ashtray. He takes an awkward drag instead. What a loveable beautiful man.
what a true gentlemen, and one of the stellar artists of human history. I remember being about 12 and recording Heroes off the top 40 by holding the transistor radio next to my tape deck, sitting in my room. My sister walked in asking what the song was, it was so hypnotic and it sounded like nothing else at the time. No words can do justice to the phenomenon that was David Bowie.
David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Robert Fripp were a formidable combination. They really made magic with all the beautiful layers of sound they crafted on that song.
great post.
Woah yeah
@@crescentfreshbret
Also producer Tony Visconti.
@@cremetangerine82 Yes indeed!
Bowie will never be "gone".
“We Wanted to Change the course of the River A Bit” understatement of the century. Between Bowie and Lou Reed. The trees of artistic influence are literally incalculable at this point.
Damn David. I have to start listening to your interviews. Soo interesting to listen too. That Brit accent is awesome. Thanks again Mr. David Jones for all the wonderful music you have left me and millions or your "brothers and sisters" around the world!
I've always wished David Bowie and Mick Ronson had produced another studio album for Lou Reed in the early 70s -- You know, _Transformer II_ or whatever. _Transformer_ has this wonderfully relaxed atmosphere to it, unlike any other Lou Reed album, with gentle arrangements, Mick's piano, Bowie on beautiful backup harmonies, strings and horns. It was as melodic as Lou Reed's singing would ever get. It was so great that even the lesser songs ("Wagon Wheel"; "I'm So Free", IMO) sounded lovely, with plenty of empty space around the instruments. I've never heard any album quite like it.
Of course, another album like _Transformer_ would not happen, because neither Bowie nor Reed were the types to ever go back and do a sequel to anything. They were always on to the next thing, nothing like the last one. Lou went on to producer Bob Ezrin (now better known for co-producing Pink Floyd) and came up with the under-appreciated, concept-album _Berlin._ Which is a beautiful, bombastic, dramatic piece, but _challenging_ to actually ENJOY, and nothing like the relaxed and understated _Transformer._
Both Bowie and Reed are such important figures in music history, and to me personally. I WISH they were still alive, even if they retired from making music, I'd love for them to just provide us the occasional interview.
Berlin is actually the first Lou Reed album I got, and I absolutely love it. It's incredibly depressing, yet beautiful at the same time
This is a very well thought out and enlightening comment cheers mate
Sometimes it takes one too long to realize how important someone is. Lou Reed and David Bowie are as great as anyone. I was blinded by my love of The Beatles,Stones,Who,Kinks,Costello, and Springsteen through the mid 80's, and Dylan through the mid seventies to think anyone else would ever be as good or mean as much...until the last few years.
Lou asked David to produce his next album in 1979, David said yes as long as you clean up, then Lou battered David and that was that.
Ann White Smells like some bullshit
“I get around to it, eventually” ha ha so very British of him! Love my Bowie
HE WAS A GENEROUS MAN!
What a style-icon he was on his 50!
RIP Mj Tom , I still listen to your music everyday.
No one compares to Bowie. Charm, genius, talent : the whole package
David was such a beautiful lovely humble, fun guy, and very generous in offering insight tips and strategies in many of his interviews, as is Lou Reed on a good day if the interviewer ain't a knob.
How wonderful that we have so much video of him to watch and enjoy……takes a little of the sting away. :-)
+Karen Katz " I say what I mean….eventually!" (great laugh)
+Karen Katz a star with more than five brilliant peaks..lov you David.
He was such an interesting human being. You could tell his creativity and talent comes from his own DNA, and not some music executive’s vision or plastic dream.
This is a very compelling piece of journalism on the interviewers part. So humanising and engaging - a genuine conversation.
I would just play the video to hear his voice...love this man so much!
Seeing these interviews just makes me sad I never got to talk shop with him. He seemed like the kind of person you could just talk with and go down the rabbit hole with on any number of topics. I will miss him greatly. :(
Don't worry, there are people like that who exist! If you ever find one, cling onto them for dear life!
He has spoke of cannibalism and has a video of what appears to have a vile of adrenachrome. He was aware of the demons-
Thanks for sharing!
It's strange how you can take someone like Bowie for granted when he's alive and kicking, only to miss him so much it makes your stomach ache while watching him reflecting and laughing like this. The way his eyes showing he's really listenting and thinking his answers through before delivering a thoughtful, witty, ironic, humourus or insightful remark. And that smile and laughter. Always the warmth and curiosity. David Jones in our hearts.
I would not like to undervalue the sincere admiration of the general music fan, but I never, ever took him for granted. He was the spokesperson for the weird misfits, eternally on your side, colluding with you in your bedroom.
Bowie looked so good here, it was almost a revamped Ziggy look 😊
scholar,fashion icon, sensual man.. great innovator.I can go on and on...sorely missed David...
Great interview. You can see that Bowie truly appreciates the New York sound. Rest In peace, to the two New York icons of music.
This makes David seem so human. I have been in awe of his music and style, and here he sounds like an person you could have spoken with. Rather witty.
Not familiar with David Bowie interviews then? He’s always like this, which stands in STARK contrast to the way Lou Reed’s interviews tended to play out.
A very intelligent man to match his musical brilliance ...in other words a genius and a legend
I try to explain to my sons how exciting it was through the 70s, 80s, 90s & 00s.... knowing that the Main Man was in the studio working on his new album. The anticipation and then the satisfaction of going to the record shop, buying the new album, getting home and placing the needle on the vinyl. Listening in awe. The World has gone to shite since he shuffled over to the other side. Lou Reed and Bowie. Influential giants. RIP.
I remember listening to some of his albums for the first time and thinking "Oh, his new direction isn't for me". Then after a few more playthroughs the album would become my favourite for years. This was true for Young Americans, Lodger, Scary Monsters and 1.0 Outside. Others were love at first take: Station to Station, Low and "Heroes". Like so many people it was Ziggy that got me hooked. I could go on, i believe in keeping comments brief. Have a good one!
We were very lucky to have david in our era.
You know people my david was beautiful both inside and out bless him I will love him eternally and miss him eternally David's soulmate stay safe people alicat xxx
I could listen and look at this guy for days
David was very pleasant when been interviewed and never says much about other people but complemented them gracefully,rest in peace David ,hope ur in a good place,God bless you,you may be gone but your not forgotten,amen💟😘🌹✌💖
He was so brilliantly quick-witted and often his humor, flew right over their heads.
When watching his interviews...finding his brilliant jokes, is like playing an audio version of Where’s Waldo🙂
We lost our last true genius when he died. But if i could bring ANYBODY back-it’d be him.......without doubt.😬
He was a ridiculously charming and handsome man. Much missed.
One can tell what an exquisite human being he was just by looking at all gentle comments and reactions in this post.
I've read a number of them to see what else I could comment, and each and every one's comments could have very well been mine.
After reading every so much comments I realized it has all been said.
David was just so unique, and at the same time so down on earth accessible and friendly.
And that silky and roaring voice...Ahhhh!
Pure pleasure!
May he be singing to Gods now! Or being one himself!
He looks so good
This is definitely one of the coolest of the many cool looks Bowie sported.
This is what you look like when your charisma is Golden.
Bowie's bad Walken impression.
I so miss our David... Truly grateful for the footage and music that keeps us company.
Oh, how I long for the days when intelligent people spoke in clear, complete, and thoughtful paragraphs.
Cringe
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@@danhiggins9151 I'm not a Boomer. Not by a long shot. I do appreciate articulate people who can do more than throw around pre-fab memes because thinking is too difficult.
@@carlodave9 : Like Cardi B and her ilk?
Yes please
I'm amazed at how charismatic he was.
'I say what I mean, eventually. I tend to go the long way round...' ;) yes you did, David, and you did it brilliantly... thanks for sharing, love watching and listening to his interviews, now more than ever. I mean, his speaking voice alone...I particularly liked this period and I was fortunate enough to attend the secret club gig he did in Hamburg, straight on the Reeperbahn on the next day, to warm up for his Earthling tour. hell of a show it was, just insane! afterwards he was celebrating his 5th wedding anniversary with Iman in some local in-crowd restaurant and all the papers had the story. *sigh* those were the days....
Bowie - pure genius - such an intellect
just an fyi, the voice of the interviewer is the great photographer and filmmaker for Rock and Roll Heart Timothy Greenfield-Sanders
An out and out legend of music,loved his songs,his charismatic approach,his respect of fellow musos,
Lou Reed,being one of the many,it's been a pleasure in my life to hear his songs,never had the pleasure of meeting the man,a freak of nature,have a good rest Dave,your contributions to music will be heard a thousand yrs from now,R.i.p David Bowie.
I'm from France and I can say that there, in the late 70s, *everyone* had Transformer in their record collection, considered it an absolute must. And it's still a masterpiece now.
Just to see him talk & reflect on these things. He's so real. He's beautiful to look at & listen to. Thanks for this.
I love David Bowie very much, he is that person you can't hate whatsoever.
What a beautiful man .. If I only had a fraction of his looks and talent ⚡️⚡️⚡️
I have so much love for this man. He's magnificent. I thank God for him very often.
He mentions Rimbaud, Baudelaire, and Selby Jr all in the same sentence and my heart melts .
He’s so lovable 😍 bless him
I miss this dude so much
They used to come in to A&P on 23rd after hours when we stocked shelves.
It was right after Edie passed..
Did a few liquor runs to the Chelsea Hotel & 300 Mercer.
When you delivered Ice/Beer in the city
You knew where the parties were
David Bowie has the best interviews!
My first concert was David Bowie. I will always appreciate him and his music. He was so unique and talented. I will always miss having David Bowie in my World. ♥️
David Bowie...A Glowing Shiny Rocket, Returning Home. Rest In Peace Starman. 👨🚀⭐🌟🌠
It's August 2022 and I will always miss David.
"say what you mean, make it rhyme, put it to a backbeat"
Wonderful interview, I could listen to him forever....... so interesting, beautiful, lovable..... ❤👍
An absolute humble genius, quite flippantly dismissing how important he was to a cultural shift let alone musically. I will forever be in debt and in love with the contribution these people have made to music and my life in general. Don't think it will ever be repeated. His chord progressions, lyrics, melodies and understanding of music is to be envied. Thankfully it's there forever x
I will always love david. Npthing can stop me.
David Bowie legend beyond words
My sister introduced me to bowie with space oddity, I was a young kid ,but hooked straight away and still devistated by his passing.
ABSOLUTELY fAB ...I hope my YT Cover interpretations make him smile from far far away.
We've just passed the 2 year anniversary since you passed David and your mural opposite Brixton Tube Station was bedecked with flowers and people singing your songs , we love you so much!! xxxxx
I saw David Bowie on Broadway in The Elephant Man, he played the lead. What a great actor among being a singer, songwriter, fashion icon & beautiful soul. I miss him. R.I.P. Mr. Bowie.
You're so ultimately lucky to see The Elephant Man; as far as clips show it was an extraordinary show; you make town jealous! :)
He looked amazing -- such an artist, in every way!
I agree what an intelligent person this man is.
How rare, a rock star so intelligent and magical
thank you for sharing this. beautiful man. a great interview.
It’s inspiring to listen to rock stars who are actually intelligent, well-read and articulate. You get the sense this guy would be interesting no matter what his path had been.
David and Lou sorely missed.R.I.P.👏👏
Charmingest pop star ever!
Thanks so much for this video - Bowie is just so erudite, beautiful, an understatement, and so effusive. i love his opinions and kindness.
Sure do enjoy listening to his voice and that laugh. He could read the phone book and make it sound good. Always liked how he would not be put into a box and he didn’t even try it seems like he was just being himself. How “original”. I hope that style comes back to the entertainment industry...SOON
I hope so too but it ain't looking likely 😕
always inspired and brightful when he talks. he had that magical gift to insterest you even when talking about most commune things. his charisma was absolutely out of this world
Absolutely true!!!
He has such creative depth it's incredible