“Oh baby just you shut your mouth”
David Bowie’s China Girl single entered the UK chart on June 11 1983. Originally released at the end of May, the 7” was followed by a 7” picture disc (the first official commercial Bowie pic disc single), and a 12” vinyl single.
China Girl was a new version of a song which Bowie had co-written with Iggy Pop for the latter’s 1977 album The Idiot.
With co-production by Nile Rodgers, Bowie’s China Girl peaked at #2 in the UK chart and #10 in the US and was a top 10 hit in many other European countries. Sadly, Iggy’s original didn’t fare so well.
The David Mallet directed video caused controversy in some quarters with its re-enactment of the beach scene from the film From Here To Eternity and was banned in some countries.
Featuring New Zealand model Geeling Ng and Bowie naked in the surf, Bowie described the video as a "very simple, very direct" statement against racism. The video went on to win an MTV video award for Best Male Video.
China Girl (Bowie/Pop)
Original UK release date: May 31 1983
Highest chart position: UK: #2 US: #10
Originally appeared on: Let’s Dance
Produced by: David Bowie, Nile Rodgers
Video directed by: David Mallet
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