Jan. 13--South Side native Ava Cherry said her life changed in the early 1970s when she met David Bowie at a party at a New York disco.
"The party was full of the best of the best in the business: Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and many more. We were all singing along, and David turned to me and asked if I was a singer. I said yes even though I wasn't really a professional one yet," Cherry recalled to Billboard magazine.
"His hair was red and mine was blonde, and he said, 'I love your blonde hair, you're different. Would you like to go on a tour in Japan with me?' I was already booked and said yes! And that's how we met."
Cherry said she quit her job as a cocktail waitress and gave up her New York apartment to follow Bowie overseas. Cherry, who went on to be his backup singer and his lover, talked to Billboard about her memories of Bowie, who died Sunday after an 18-month battle with cancer.
Cherry said her favorite moment was when she met John Lennon as Bowie recorded his hit song "Fame." She sat in on recording sessions for Bowie's "Young Americans" album.
"He got along with everyone in the studio, dove in to the work as he always did and we created a brilliant piece of work. There will never be another like him, and since he was my first love, he will always remain in my heart," Cherry said.
Cherry said she is working on a new album with Philadelphia producer Bobby Eli that will include a tribute song for Bowie.
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