David Bowie

Les Zg, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

• Stage Name: David Bowie

• Birth Name: David Robert Jones

• Place of Birth: Brixton, London, England.

• Date of Birth: January 8, 1947

• Died: January 10, 2016 (69 years)

• Years Lived: 1947 - 2016

• Genres: Art Rock, Dance, Electronic, Funk, Glam Rock, Pop, Rock, Soul

Early Life and Background

Birth and Family

David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie, was born on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, England. He was the son of Margaret Mary “Peggy” (née Burns), a waitress, and Haywood Stenton “John” Jones, a promotions officer for Barnardo’s. David had one older half-brother, Terry Burns, who significantly influenced his early interest in music and art.

Childhood

Bowie’s childhood was marked by a fascination with music and performance. He was particularly influenced by his half-brother Terry, who introduced him to jazz, beat literature, and the counter-culture movements of the time. Terry’s struggles with mental illness deeply affected Bowie and would later inspire some of his work.

Education

David attended Stockwell Infants School and later Burnt Ash Junior School. His talent for music and art was evident from a young age. He then attended Bromley Technical High School, where he studied art, music, and design. His early exposure to various forms of artistic expression would shape his eclectic and innovative career.

Musical Beginnings

First Encounters with Music

Bowie began playing the saxophone at the age of 13, inspired by jazz musicians like Charles Mingus and John Coltrane. He played in several school bands and local groups, experimenting with different styles and sounds.

Early Bands or Groups

In the early 1960s, Bowie joined his first band, The Konrads, followed by a series of other bands, including The King Bees, The Manish Boys, and The Lower Third. Despite limited commercial success, these early experiences helped him develop his stage presence and songwriting skills.

Career Breakthrough

Discovery

David Bowie struggled to find mainstream success during the early years of his career. However, his breakthrough came with the release of the single “Space Oddity” in 1969, coinciding with the Apollo 11 moon landing. The song became a hit in the UK, marking the beginning of his rise to fame.

Debut Release

Bowie’s self-titled debut album, released in 1967, did not achieve significant commercial success. However, his second album, Space Oddity (1969), featuring the hit single of the same name, established him as a rising star in the music industry.

Significant Performances

One of Bowie’s most significant early performances was his appearance on the BBC’s “Top of the Pops” in 1972, where he performed “Starman” in his Ziggy Stardust persona. This performance was pivotal in cementing his status as a cultural icon.

Rise to Fame

Major Albums and Hits

Bowie’s career is marked by a series of influential and groundbreaking albums. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) introduced his iconic alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. Other notable albums include Aladdin Sane (1973), Diamond Dogs (1974), Young Americans (1975), Station to Station (1976), Low (1977), “Heroes” (1977), and Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) (1980). Each album showcased his ability to reinvent himself and experiment with different musical styles.

Awards and Recognition

David Bowie received numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Grammy Awards and Brit Awards. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. His influence on music, fashion, and popular culture has been widely recognized and celebrated.

Collaborations

Bowie collaborated with many notable artists, including Queen (on the song “Under Pressure”), Mick Jagger, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Brian Eno, and Trent Reznor. His collaborations often resulted in critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects.

Personal Life

Relationships

David Bowie married Angela Barnett in 1970, and they had a son, Duncan Zowie Haywood Jones, in 1971. The couple divorced in 1980. Bowie married Somali-American model Iman in 1992, and they had a daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones, in 2000. Bowie and Iman’s relationship was marked by mutual respect and admiration.

Challenges

Bowie struggled with substance abuse during the 1970s, particularly with cocaine. Despite these challenges, he managed to maintain a prolific career. He was also known for his battles with privacy and the pressures of fame.

Philanthropy

David Bowie supported various charitable causes throughout his life, including famine relief in Africa, AIDS research, and the fight against poverty. His philanthropic efforts extended beyond financial contributions, often using his platform to raise awareness for important issues.

Musical Style and Influence

Genre and Style

David Bowie’s music encompassed a wide range of genres, including Rock, Pop, Glam Rock, Art Rock, Soul, Funk, Dance, and Electronic. His ability to blend and reinvent these styles made him a pioneering and influential figure in music.

Influences

Bowie was influenced by a diverse array of artists and genres, including Elvis Presley, Little Richard, The Beatles, The Velvet Underground, and avant-garde art and literature. His eclectic taste and willingness to experiment defined his musical evolution.

Impact on Music

David Bowie’s impact on music is profound and far-reaching. He pushed the boundaries of genre and performance, influencing countless artists across different musical styles. His ability to continuously reinvent himself and his music has left a lasting legacy in the industry.

Later Career and Legacy

Continued Success

Bowie continued to release successful albums and tour throughout his career. Notable later works include Let’s Dance (1983), Black Tie White Noise (1993), Heathen (2002), and The Next Day (2013). His final album, Blackstar (2016), was released just two days before his death and received critical acclaim.

Retirement or Passing

David Bowie passed away on January 10, 2016, at the age of 69, following an 18-month battle with liver cancer. His death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and fellow artists around the world.

Posthumous Releases and Tributes

Following his death, several posthumous releases and tribute concerts celebrated Bowie’s life and work. His influence continues to be honored through various documentaries, biographies, and exhibitions.

Discography

Albums:

1. David Bowie (1967) – Deram
2. Space Oddity (1969) – Philips/Mercury
3. The Man Who Sold the World (1970) – Mercury
4. Hunky Dory (1971) – RCA
5. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) – RCA
6. Aladdin Sane (1973) – RCA
7. Pin Ups (1973) – RCA
8. Diamond Dogs (1974) – RCA
9. Young Americans (1975) – RCA
10. Station to Station (1976) – RCA
11. Low (1977) – RCA
12. “Heroes” (1977) – RCA
13. Lodger (1979) – RCA
14. Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) (1980) – RCA
15. Let’s Dance (1983) – EMI
16. Tonight (1984) – EMI
17. Never Let Me Down (1987) – EMI
18. Black Tie White Noise (1993) – Savage
19. Outside (1995) – Virgin
20. Earthling (1997) – Virgin
21. Hours (1999) – Virgin
22. Heathen (2002) – ISO/Columbia
23. Reality (2003) – ISO/Columbia
24. The Next Day (2013) – ISO/Columbia
25. Blackstar (2016) – ISO/Columbia

Singles:

1. “Space Oddity” (1969)
2. “Changes” (1971)
3. “Starman” (1972)
4. “Rebel Rebel” (1974)
5. “Fame” (1975)
6. “Golden Years” (1975)
7. “Heroes” (1977)
8. “Ashes to Ashes” (1980)
9. “Let’s Dance” (1983)
10. “China Girl” (1983)

Collaborations:

1. “Under Pressure” with Queen (1981)
2. “Dancing in the Street” with Mick Jagger (1985)
3. “Fame” with John Lennon (1975)
4. “Tonight” with Tina Turner (1984)
5. The Idiot and Lust for Life with Iggy Pop (1977)

Conclusion

Summary of Impact

David Bowie’s impact on music and culture is immeasurable. He was a visionary artist who continuously pushed the boundaries of creativity, influencing music, fashion, and performance art. His ability to reinvent himself and his sound made him a timeless icon.

Legacy

David Bowie is remembered as one of the most influential and innovative artists of all time. His music and persona have left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring generations of musicians and artists. Bowie’s legacy continues to thrive through his vast body of work and the ongoing admiration of fans worldwide.