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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Interviews by Dave Simpson

‘I wanted a hit!’ Bryan Ferry on recording Slave to Love in Bette Midler’s house

More cowbell … Bryan Ferry in 1985.
More cowbell … Bryan Ferry in 1985. Photograph: Gie Knaeps/Getty Images

Bryan Ferry, singer, songwriter

I’m not a musical detective, but I’d put my money on the inspiration for Slave to Love coming from Prisoner of Love by the Ink Spots, which I heard when I was five. My Auntie Enid’s husband was stationed in Europe with the armed forces and I think he picked up American records and brought the Ink Spots home. I still have the 78 RPM single.

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