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Space Oddity became Bowie's first big hit single (reaching #5 in the UK).
Bowie's producer at that time, Tony Visconti, rejected the song. Bowie had to
give the song to another producer — Gus Dudgeon (best known for his work with
Elton John). Elton had recommended Gus to Bowie.
Because of the singles's big success, Mercury agreed to release Bowie's next
album. This was originally released as "David Bowie" in Britain in late 1969,
and as "Man Of Words/Man Of Music" in the US in early 1970. This album was
re-released in 1072 as Space Oddity, without the song Don't Sit Down (which was
included again in the Ryko 1990 re-release).
The album failed to chart in the UK and the US. On re-release in 1972, it spent
37 weeks on the UK charts (peaking at #17) and 36 on the US charts (peaking at
#16). The album spent a further week (at #64) on the UK charts when it was
released on CD by EMI.
This album was the first released collaboration with Tony Visconti, who
continued to work with Bowie for many years.
In addition, Mick Ronson on guitar and Woody Woodmansey on drums made their
first appearance on the Memory Of A Free Festival bonus tracks. Mick and Woody
made up two of the three Spiders (the other being Trevor Bolder).
The original British release featured a cover portrait and back cover artwork by
George Underwood (the childhood friend of Bowie who was responsible for Bowie's
eye damage). This artwork was not included on the Rykodisc/EMI reissue. However,
RCA's 1972 repackage of this album included a poster of the album sleeve.
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