David Bowie (May 20, 1978) – Peter and the Wolf RCA Advertisement

A full-page advertisement from RCA Records promoting David Bowie’s narration of Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Eugene Ormandy.

SOURCE DETAILS

Publication: Music press advertisement (NME / Sounds era)

Date: May 20, 1978

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Full-page advertisement

Title: A New Departure for Bowie / A New Experience for You

THE STORY

This RCA advert announces David Bowie’s distinctive foray into classical narration with Peter and the Wolf. The design pairs a contemplative monochrome portrait of Bowie with the album sleeve, emphasising the project as both a bold artistic departure for Bowie and an exciting new experience for listeners

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: RCA Records advertisement for David Bowie’s Peter and the Wolf narration

Era: 1978 – Post-Thin White Duke / experimental period

Tone: Sophisticated and inviting

Photography: Monochrome portrait of David Bowie

Audience: Music press readers and Bowie collectors

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Released in 1978 on RCA Records (RL 12743 LP and RK 12743 cassette), this recording came during Bowie’s post-Station to Station / Thin White Duke period as he continued to explore new creative territories. The advert reflects RCA’s refined late-1970s design style — elegant yet theatrical — and highlights Bowie’s growing reputation for genre-blending experimentation.

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

A clean, minimalist full-page advert featuring Bowie’s portrait alongside the album artwork. Bold typography proclaims “A new departure for Bowie” and “A new experience for you”, with clear release information for the LP and cassette versions.

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