David Bowie’s first American fan

In 1967, fourteen year old Sandra Adams wrote a fan letter to David Bowie. Bowie enthusiastically replied:

25th., September 1967

Dear Sandra,
When I called in this, my manager‘s office, a few moments ago I was handed my very first American fan letter – and it was from you I was so pleased that I had to sit down and type an immediate reply, even though Ken is shouting at me to get on with a script he badly needs. That can wiat (wi-at? That’s a new English word which means wait)

I’ve been waiting for some reaction to the album from American listeners There were reviews in Billboard and Cash Box, but they
were by professional critics and they rarely reflect the opinions of the public The critics were very flatterlng however. They even liked the single “Love You Till Tuesday” I’ve pot a copy of the American album and they’ve printed the picture a little yellow. I’m really not that blond. I think the picture on the back is more ‘me’. Hope vou like those enclosed

In answer to your questions,my real name is David Jones and I don’t have to tell you why I changed lt. “Nobody’s going to make
a monkey out of you” said my manager. My birthday is January 8th and I guess I’m 5′l0. There is a Fan C1ub here 1n Fngland, but
if things go well in the States then we’ll have one there I suppose. It’s a little early to even think about it

I hope one day to get to America. My manager tells me lots about it as he has been there many times with other acts he manages. I waswatching an old film on TV the other night called “No Down Payment” a great tilm, but rather depressing if it is a true reflection ot The American Way Of Life. However, shortly after that they showed a documentary about Robert Frost the American poet, filmed mainly at his home in Vermont, and that evened the score. I am sure that that is nearer the real America. I made my first movie last week. Just a fifteen minutes short, but if  gave me some good experience for a full length deal I have starting in January.

Thank you for be1ng so klnd as to write to me and do please
write again and let me kno: some more about yourself.

Yours Sincerely

David Bowie

Read more about Sandra’s letter here.