Which guitarist co-wrote Fame with David Bowie and John Lennon?

Carlos Alomar co-wrote “Fame” with David Bowie and John Lennon. His guitar riff formed the musical foundation of the 1975 song.

Alomar had developed the riff during Bowie’s work around the Young Americans period, initially in connection with a planned performance of “Footstompin’.” Bowie felt the idea was too strong to waste on a cover version. During a January 1975 session at New York’s Electric Lady Studios, Bowie and Lennon transformed it into “Fame.”

The track gave Alomar an important songwriting credit and began a long creative partnership with Bowie. He became a key rhythm guitarist and musical director on many Bowie recordings and tours, helping define the tight funk-influenced sound of the mid-1970s.

Robert Fripp, Earl Slick, and Mick Ronson are all associated with Bowie’s guitar history, which makes them plausible distractors. However, none of them co-wrote “Fame”; Alomar’s riff and credited authorship are the distinguishing facts.