Village People (February 19, 1979) Cut Bowie Film Song – Press Notice

A short music‑industry news item announcing the Village People’s reissue of “Just A Gigolo,” the title song from David Bowie’s new film, replacing their previously scheduled single “I Am What I Am.”

Writer: Uncredited (Music Press News Column)

Artists: Village People / David Bowie

Date: February 19, 1979

Length: 2 min read

The notice reports that the Village People, still charting with “Y.M.C.A.,” were releasing a version of “Just A Gigolo” to coincide with Bowie’s film of the same name. The single was issued by DJM Records and added to the soundtrack album distributed by Pye Records under the newly formed Jambo label. The soundtrack featured contributions from Marlene Dietrich, Manhattan Transfer, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, and the Ragtimers. The Village People’s recording replaced “I Am What I Am,” which had been withdrawn from release.

PUBLICATION

Publication: UK Music Press Notice

Date: February 19 1979

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Industry News Column

Title: Village People Cut Bowie Film Song

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Village People’s reissue of “Just A Gigolo”

Era: 1979 – Disco and film soundtrack crossovers

Tone: Informative and promotional

Photography: None – text only column

Audience: UK music industry readers and pop fans

“Village People are reissuing a version of ‘Just A Gigolo,’ the title song of the new David Bowie film.”

THE STORY BEHIND IT

David Bowie’s film *Just A Gigolo* (released 1978–79) featured a soundtrack blending cabaret, jazz, and pop influences. The Village People’s disco‑styled version of the title track reflected the era’s fascination with genre fusion and celebrity crossover. This brief notice captures the intersection of Bowie’s cinematic experimentation and the Village People’s commercial momentum at the height of disco’s popularity.

“The Village People version of ‘Just A Gigolo’ replaces the scheduled ‘I Am What I Am,’ which has now been withdrawn.”

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Event: Announcement of Village People’s Bowie‑related single

Era: 1979

Tone: Industry update and promotion

Photography: None – plain text layout

Audience: Music press and record buyers

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The collaboration was indirect — Bowie’s version of “Just A Gigolo” appeared in the film, while the Village People’s rendition was produced for the soundtrack album. The notice reflects the late‑1970s trend of disco artists branching into film tie‑ins and soundtrack projects. The mention of Marlene Dietrich and Manhattan Transfer situates the release within a sophisticated, cross‑genre musical context.

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SOURCES

UK Music Press (February 19 1979)

Publication verified from archival issue records

Context cross‑checked with soundtrack documentation and discography

External anchors: Discogs / Wikipedia (where applicable)

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All newspaper scans, photographs, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

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