This recreation of Mick Jagger and David Bowie's 'Dancing in the Street is one of the most star-studded collaborations in rock 'n' roll history. Originally intended to be a link-up for the famine-relief cause, the video features erratic dance maneuvers, billowing fabric, and sexual tension. The two artists' dedication and commitment to the cause transcend the lack of planning or costume changes.
It was the first time Bowie's video had such a dramatic tone compared to the lyrics of the song. It was shot at the London Docklands, and Bowie wore an oversized yellow raincoat to match his trademark bright red shoes. "Dancing in the Street" became a global anthem almost overnight. And while it's difficult to comprehend the song's message and its context, it's impossible to deny its power.
The final video of the late rock star David Bowie was hard to watch. Bowie's death seemed imminent, but the performance kept the audience enraptured until the final scene. Bowie is seen in a red-colored light strumming an acoustic guitar. Director Mick Rock, meanwhile, translates the zero-G atmosphere by using oscilloscope pulses.
The song's success was short-lived. The band had just released the critically acclaimed Undercover album. But the band's relationship with guitarist Keith Richards had deteriorated due to a new record deal. Jagger's plans to become a solo star were put on hold when Bob Geldof invited both stars to take part in the Live Aid concert in 1985.
During December and January 1966, Tages included "Dancing in the Street" in their setlist. The band opted to remove the brass parts from their live performances and substituted the organ parts from rhythm guitarist Danne Larsson and lead guitarist Anders Topel. The result was a highly stylized, yet wildly entertaining recreation of the iconic song. The 'Dancing in the Street' video has since been included in various music videos.
The original song was recorded by Martha and the Vandellas in 1964. It was originally produced by the band and released as a single on the Gordy Records label. The song was written by Bill Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter and originally featured lead vocalist Cass Elliot. The band's version featured an instrumental section and the song's final segment, a dialogue between Elliot and her Canadian counterpart Papa Denny Doherty, who had been a renowned jazz singer.
This version of "Dancing in the Street" was also chosen for preservation by the Library of Congress. Reeves was thrilled to see the song's persistence in the public consciousness, and she was gratified to have her voice featured in the music. It was also released in official form by Danny Shaffer, another Billboard charting producer. They were certified by the RIAA.