Video: 'Fame (2016 Remaster)'

(Saturday, September 20, 1975) — “Fame” by David Bowie (with former Beatle John Lennon on backing vocals) peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two non-consecutive weeks (Sep. 20, Oct. 4, 1975).

During a Feb. 5, 1975, session in New York, 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.”

Video: 'David Bowie ~ Fame 1975 Disco Purrfection Version'

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.