David Bowie "Young Americans" (from "The Dick Cavett Show" Dec. 4, 1974)

One of rock 'n roll's greatest oddities and most talented performers, England's David Bowie used his 1975 album, Young Americans, to explore American soul and R&B.

The eponymous first single is a wall-to-wall powerhouse that mixes blue-eyed soul with elements of jazz and island rhythms mixed with politically-tinged lyrics, which include a not-so-veiled reference to The Beatles.

This performance from The Dick Cavett Show shows Bowie in his element -- probably coked up and letting it all hang out for a national audience.

If you look closely, you'll even recognize a young Luther Vandross singing backup.

Both the record and album have found new life as each generation has championed them as underappreciated accomplishments in the medium.

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