Hunky Dory is the fourth studio album by the English musician David Bowie, released in the United Kingdom on 17 December 1971 through RCA Records. Following a break from touring and recording, Bowie settled down to write new songs, composing on piano rather than guitar as in earlier works. Bowie assembled guitarist Mick Ronson, bassist Trevor Bolder, and drummer Mick Woodmansey, and began to record a new album in mid-1971 at Trident Studios in London. Rick Wakeman contributed on piano shortly before joining Yes. Bowie co-produced the album with Ken Scott, who had engineered Bowie's previous two records.
UK cover (the original US cover bears no title)
Co-producer Ken Scott in 2014
Rick Wakeman (pictured in 2012), whose piano playing greatly influenced the songs
"Kooks" is a tribute to Bowie's son Duncan Jones (pictured in 2015).
David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie, was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Bowie was acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his innovative work during the 1970s. His career was marked by reinvention and visual presentation, and his music and stagecraft had a significant impact on popular music.
Bowie in 2002
Plaque at Trident Studios in London marking where Bowie recorded six albums between 1969 and 1974
Bowie and Tony Defries at Andy Warhol's Pork at London's Roundhouse in 1971
Bowie during the Ziggy Stardust Tour, 1972–1973