David Bowie (June 28, 1975) “This isn’t soul music, this is … a going concern” – New Musical Express (UK)

A reader’s letter published in New Musical Express reacting to David Bowie’s shift into soul music with Young Americans, questioning the authenticity of the “soul” trend in 1975 British rock press.

PUBLICATION

Publication: New Musical Express (NME) Date: June 28, 1975

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Letters / Correspondence Page

Title: This isn’t soul music, this is … a going concern

THE STORY

The letter by Andrew Dean from Stoke-on-Trent criticizes the sudden wave of soul-influenced music in the charts, referencing Bowie’s recent direction alongside other artists. It reflects the divided opinions in the UK music press about white artists adopting black American soul styles during the mid-1970s.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published shortly after the release of Young Americans, this letter captures the ongoing debate in Britain about cultural appropriation, authenticity, and the commercial “soul boom” of 1975. Bowie’s move into plastic soul was both praised and criticized in the music weeklies at the time.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Reader’s Letter / Opinion Piece Era: Young Americans / Plastic Soul Period

Tone: Skeptical, opinionated, typical NME letters-page style Photography: Small accompanying image of Bowie (from the article layout)

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Full newspaper clipping of the reader’s letter with headline and photo of David Bowie.

RELATED MATERIAL

• David Bowie (June 14, 1975) “Yes Kids — It’s The New Model David” – Music Paper Feature (UK)

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All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.