June 28, 1975: David Bowie released “Fame.”
Co-written with John Lennon and guitarist Carlos Alomar, the record became Bowie’s first No. 1 hit in the U.S. But the soul of the song lived in that funky groove, a groove shaped by Alomar and rooted in the Black funk and soul sounds that were influencing mainstream rock throughout the 1970s.
Then years later, Next Friday gave the song another cultural life by using it as Pinky’s intro music.
That’s what made it perfect.
“Fame” already sounded like ego, flash, movement, and attitude. So when Pinky (played by Clifton Powell) stepped in with that song behind him, it wasn’t just background music, it told you everything about the character before he even finished talking.
A 1975 rock-funk record became the walk-in music for one of the loudest, funniest, most self-important characters in hood comedy history.
That’s the power of a real groove.
It can start on the charts, move through Black musical influence, land in a comedy classic, and still make everybody recognize the moment instantly.
The Sto: Great songs don’t just age, they get recast into new memories.
What movie character had the best intro music ever?
Commodores - Nightshift (1985)
A tribute to soul legends Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson (both passed away in 1984). Their first hit single following the departure of Lionel Richie. Written by lead singer Walter Orange along with Franne Golde and Dennis Lambert.
#Legends