Lulu
Lulu is a Scottish singer and television personality whose collaboration with David Bowie in the mid-1970s demonstrated Bowie’s growing stature as a songwriter. Their partnership resulted in a striking reinterpretation of Bowie’s song “The Man Who Sold the World.”
Although brief, the collaboration highlighted Bowie’s ability to write material adaptable across genres and vocal styles, extending his influence beyond his own recordings.
- Born: 1948, Glasgow, Scotland
- Known for: Powerful pop and soul vocals
- Bowie collaboration: 1974
- Song: “The Man Who Sold the World”
Rise to fame
Lulu rose to international prominence in the 1960s with a series of chart-topping singles and a dynamic public persona. Her vocal strength and adaptability allowed her to move fluidly between pop, soul and adult contemporary music.
David Bowie as songwriter
By the mid-1970s, David Bowie had established himself not only as a performer but also as a sought-after songwriter. Lulu’s decision to record one of his compositions reflected Bowie’s increasing credibility within the wider music industry.
The Man Who Sold the World (1974)
In 1974, Lulu released a version of “The Man Who Sold the World” that radically transformed Bowie’s original. Featuring glam-rock production and spoken-word elements, the track reached the UK Singles Chart and introduced Bowie’s songwriting to a broader mainstream audience.
Television and live promotion
Lulu promoted the song through television performances, including appearances that featured Bowie himself. These shared moments on screen further cemented the visibility of their collaboration.
Legacy
Lulu’s recording of “The Man Who Sold the World” stands as one of the most distinctive cover versions of a Bowie composition. It underscored Bowie’s versatility as a writer and demonstrated how his work could thrive beyond his own voice and persona.