"How David Bowie Ended Up on Scarlett Johansson’s Album: ‘I Basically Peed Myself’"

 

When Scarlett Johansson decided to venture into the music world, she knew she wanted her debut album to stand out. What she didn’t anticipate was the legendary David Bowie lending his voice to her project—an experience she describes as both surreal and unforgettable.

In 2008, Johansson released *Anywhere I Lay My Head*, an album featuring covers of Tom Waits songs. While the actress-turned-singer was already a big name in Hollywood, her move into music was met with curiosity. However, one of the album's biggest surprises came in the form of a guest appearance by none other than David Bowie.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Johansson recalls the moment she learned Bowie would be part of her album. “When I found out David Bowie was going to sing on my album, I basically peed myself,” she admitted with a laugh in a recent interview. “It was one of those moments where you can’t believe it’s happening. Bowie was not just an icon; he was someone whose music I had admired my entire life.”

The collaboration came about after Johansson’s producer, Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio, played some of the early recordings for Bowie, who was intrigued by the project. To Johansson's amazement, Bowie agreed to contribute backing vocals to two tracks, “Fannin’ Street” and “I Wish I Was in New Orleans.”

“Working with David Bowie was beyond anything I could have imagined,” Johansson said. “He brought a certain magic to the songs, something only he could do. His voice added depth and emotion that transformed the tracks into something truly special.”

Despite her nerves, Johansson found Bowie to be incredibly supportive and generous throughout the process. “He was so kind and encouraging,” she recalled. “I was terrified at the thought of singing alongside someone like him, but he made me feel comfortable and confident. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

For Johansson, having Bowie on her album was not just a career highlight but also a deeply personal achievement. “It’s one of those things you’ll tell your grandkids about,” she said. “I’m so grateful to have had that experience, to have a piece of him on my album. It still feels like a dream.”

*Anywhere I Lay My Head* may have been Johansson’s first foray into music, but with Bowie’s endorsement, it became a unique and memorable project. The album received mixed reviews, but the collaboration with Bowie remains a standout moment, one that cemented Johansson’s brief yet impactful presence in the music world.

As for Johansson, she looks back on the experience with a mix of pride and disbelief. “Every time I listen to those tracks, I’m reminded of how lucky I was to work with one of the greatest artists of all time,” she said. “It’s something I’ll cherish forever.”