David Bowie & the Soul Tour Vocalists (1974)

In 1974, David Bowie took one of the boldest artistic turns of his career by abandoning glam rock theatrics and fully embracing American soul and funk. This transformation reached its full live expression during the legendary Soul Tour, immortalised on the concert album David Live.

At the heart of this new sound stood an exceptional vocal trio: Luther Vandross, Ava Cherry and Robin Clark. Their soaring harmonies, call-and-response interplay and gospel phrasing reshaped Bowie’s songs into deep, rhythmic soul performances.

The tour represented a complete rebirth of Bowie on stage: funk rhythm sections, extended grooves, choreography, and a dramatic shift from space-rock to urban American soul.

Quick Facts

Year	1974
Main Artist	David Bowie
Key Vocalists	Luther Vandross – Ava Cherry – Robin Clark
Tour	Diamond Dogs Tour / Soul Tour
Live Album	David Live (1974)
Style	Soul, funk, R&B, Philadelphia sound

Background

After the intense glam-rock years of Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, Bowie became obsessed with American soul, particularly the sounds emerging from Philadelphia, Detroit and New York. His immersion into Black American music culture would soon culminate in the album Young Americans.

The 1974 tour began as a theatrical Diamond Dogs production but gradually evolved into an ever more groove-driven soul experience. Each night, Bowie reshaped his older material into longer, funk-infused arrangements supported by a powerhouse vocal section.

The Vocal Trio

Luther Vandross

Before becoming one of the greatest soul singers of all time, Luther Vandross worked as a background vocalist and arranger. With Bowie he found a global platform, delivering electrifying high harmonies and call-and-response lines that became the backbone of many live performances.

Ava Cherry

Ava Cherry brought dramatic lead-counterparts to Bowie’s vocals, often taking a near co-lead role on stage. Her commanding presence and timbre gave the shows a theatrical, gospel-infused charge.

Robin Clark

Robin Clark anchored the harmonic foundation with deep soul phrasing and rhythmic accuracy. Together, the trio transformed Bowie’s music into a living soul revue.

Live Performances & Locations

• 1974 – United States – Main Soul Tour shows
• 1974 – Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles – Key performances
• 1974 – Tower Theater, Upper Darby – Source of David Live

Signature Songs in the Soul Format

• Young Americans
• Rock ’n’ Roll with Me
• Knock on Wood
• 1984
• Sweet Thing / Candidate

Surviving Audio & Video

The Soul Tour survives in outstanding quality through the official live album David Live, extensive concert bootlegs and professional TV footage from US broadcasts.

Historical Importance

The Soul Tour represented a seismic shift in Bowie’s career. It proved that he could completely abandon his glam persona and still dominate the stage with authority, charisma and reinvention.

It also launched the international careers of several key vocalists, most notably Luther Vandross, who would later become one of the defining soul voices of the late 20th century.

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