# David Bowie's 1975 Album Featured Luther Vandross

> David Bowie's 1975 album Young Americans included backing vocals from future superstar Luther Vandross.
- Title: David Bowie's 1975 Album Featured Luther Vandross | Shortify
- Summary: David Bowie's 1975 album Young Americans included backing vocals from future superstar Luther Vandross.
- Keywords: david bowie, luther vandross, young americans, 1975, philly soul, backing vocals, music, culture, David, Bowie's, Album, Featured
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/remembering-when-a-david-bowie-album-featured-a-future-superstar-on-backing-vocals-in-1975
- Author: Jim Beviglia
- Published: 2026-10-20T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: david bowie, luther vandross, young americans, 1975, philly soul, backing vocals, music, culture
## Bowie's Plastic Soul
David Bowie called his 1975 album Young Americans 'plastic soul' to describe his R&B style.
## Bowie's R&B Shift
Bowie moved from glam rock to Philadelphia's Philly Soul sound for his 1975 album.
## Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross, a 23-year-old singer, provided backing vocals and arrangements for Young Americans.
## Vandross' Impact
Vandross contributed the 'He was the Young American' refrain and co-wrote the track 'Fascination'.
## Key takeaway

David Bowie's 1975 album Young Americans featured Luther Vandross on backing vocals before he became a global star.