Video: 'Across the Universe (2016 Remaster)'

(Wednesday, February 5, 1965) — Two days after he ended his separation with wife Yoko Ono, former Beatle John Lennon contributed to the recordings of two songs for David Bowie’s Young Americans album today at New York’s Electric Lady Studios, including a cover of Lennon and Paul McCartney’s “Across the Universe” and a new track “Fame.”

Video: 'Fame (2016 Remaster)'

Lennon contributed acoustic guitar on “Across the Universe.” He also helped shape the new track “Fame,” for which he contributed acoustic guitar and backing vocals.

During the session, Lennon improvised a vocal hook over a guitar riff, which inspired Bowie to develop the lyrics and structure of the song.

Video: 'David Bowie - Fame 90 (Official Video)'

Lennon’s brief but pivotal contributions earned him co-writing credit for “Fame,” with Bowie later citing him as the song’s “energy” and “inspiration.”

The song was a major commercial success in North America, becoming Bowie’s first number 1 single on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian Singles Chart.