As one of the legendary "Sigma Kids"--a group of David Bowie fans who kept a vigil outside the studio and musicians' hotel throughout the recording session--Stately was an immeasurable influence on and inspiration for the classic Young Americans album.

Like anyone who has been in SWM's presence, Bowie was awestruck by the Kids and still raves about them today.  Go ahead, ask him.  Especially about "Somebody Up There Likes Me" with the repeating chorus "His soul shines, he's so divine."  That HAS TO be about Monsieur Manor.

Also among those making the Sigma scene was a pubescent Gia (seen left and right), later to become the first "supermodel" and, sad to say, an early AIDS casualty.  Gia was portrayed by Angelina Jolie in a biographical HBO film; but if you want to get the real story, pick up the must-read Thing Of Beauty by Stephen Fried (whom we profusely thank for the related photos herein.)

An awestruck, apprehensive David Bowie approaches SWM for his autograph.  Dig those curls, girls!

An unknown backup singer named Luther Vandross met SWM during the Young Americans session then went onto superstardom.  Still think it's all a coincidence?

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