In 1983, Bowie released his 15th studio album “Let’s Dance”, which blended the dance sensibilities of producer Nile Rodgers with blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. The single and album went to number one around the world - and the accompanying “Serious Moonlight” world tour played to record-breaking audiences, establishing him as a mainstream international star. 

30 years after the release of the album Absolute Radio pays tribute to “Let’s Dance” with a documentary that explores this pop masterpiece. An album that remains Bowie’s biggest and fastest selling album. 

Music journalist Mark Sutherland and noted Bowie author David Buckley provide track-by-track analysis, alongside original interviews and archival recordings of Bowie in '83. Other contributors include the album's engineer Bob Clearmountain, backing singer Frank Simms, producer Pete Waterman, Duran Duran's John Taylor, and Peter Godwin from Metro. 

Thanks to Ian Fish @ Sounds Fishy Productions for LA Recordings

Let's Dance At 30

These short samples showcase how David Bowie's 1983 hit 'Let's Dance' have been remixed / reinterpreted for distinct cultural audiences. Starting with Bowie's original track - then 'Been Around' by Puff Daddy feat. The Notorious B.I.G. and Mase (1997), then 'Let's Dance, Bowie in Dub' by Black Market Dub (2015), and finally the 'Let's Dance, Club Bolly Radio Mix' (2003).

Lets Dance Cultural Remixes

Some thoughts on the legendary David (Bowie) Jones. Taken from some earlier documentary contributions. RIP.

Reflections on Bowie

This documentary celebrates the 30th anniversary of Prince’s eighth album Parade, and pays tribute to one of America’s finest musicians. 

Parade, released on March the 31st 1986, was the last album to feature Prince’s backing band The Revolution – and includes the singles Kiss, Girls and Boys, Anotherlover, and Sometimes it Snows in April. 

Contributors: Prince keyboard player Matt Fink (aka ‘Doctor Fink’), Brent Fischer son of arranger Clare Fischer, S-Endz (from ‘Swami’), UK broadcaster Bobby Friction, Brett Anderson (from ‘Suede’), Doctor Simon Barber from Birmingham City University… and massive Prince fan, broadcaster Bill Oddie.

Previously transmitted as ‘XFM 25; April 2011 “Parade” 

Prince Rogers Nelson: June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016


Parade at 30: RIP Prince

An excerpt from the radio programme ‘Dirty Coffee’, produced for Switch 107.5 in 2016. This feature tracks the environmental impact of coffee farming on village communities living in the highlands of Ethiopia. Original music provided by Krar Collective.

Dirty Coffee

Alec Fisher

Hi, I'm Sam Coley, a researcher and lecturer Birmingham City University - where I teach a range of audio production classes. I'm also a freelance documentary producer - and here are a few examples of my radio production work – for more info visit; samcoley.com

SamColey

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