David Bowie (Born David Jones)
January 8, 1947 – January 10, 2016
David Bowie was one the most revered rock stars the world has ever known. In fact, some have gone as far to call him the world’s ONLY rock star. What can’t be argued is that his originality, influence, creativity, and ability to adapt to, AND buck pop music trends for over four decades is beyond rival. Throughout his career, he sold over 140 million albums and received a staggering amount of awards and accolades. From the release of his first album, David Bowie, in 1967, through 2003’s Reality, Bowie created records that were for the most part embraced by fans and critics alike. His many hits included such pop music staples as “Heroes,” “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” “The Jean Genie,” “Young Americans,” “Rebel, Rebel,” “Let’s Dance,” and “China Girl.” In 2004, Bowie suffered a relatively minor heart attack which greatly curtailed his recording and performing output for the next several years. And then seemingly out of nowhere, on January 8, 2013 – his 66th birthday, Bowie surprised the masses with an announcement that an all-new album would be released that following March. The Next Day, was a welcome return to his art rock roots and quickly shot to the top of the UK charts and #2 on the US charts. The album was adored by fans and critics. In late 2015, it was this time announced, that his latest album, Blackstar would be released on his 69th birthday, January 8, 2016. Unbeknownst to most of the world, Bowie was diagnosed with liver cancer just 18 months prior. But rather than have us pity; rather than fade away, Bowie created his own poignantly personal eulogy by way of album and video for “Lazarus.” Again, the release came out to great praise. Two days later, David Bowie gone, having successfully elevated his own death to an art form like no other.
What You Should Own
