Spontaneity plays a key role in David Bowie's 'Fame'

Today's Morning Edition music features "Fame" by David Bowie. The song hit No. 1 on Billboard's pop chart 40 years ago today.

"Fame" was created while John Lennon was in the studio with Bowie. The pair were working with a new guitar riff when Lennon started signing "aim" over it. Bowie changed the word to "fame" and wrote the remaining lyrics, which expressed his frustration with his management company.

"Fame itself is not a rewarding thing," said Bowie at a later time. "The most you can say is that it gets you a seat in restaurants."

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