Died On This Date (January 10, 2016) David Bowie
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


Natalie Cole was an American R&B singer who, over the course of a career that spanned 6 decades, sold over 30 million albums and earned nine Grammys. Born into a show business family – her father was 
Lemmy Kilmister was the lead singer, bassist, primary songwriter, and only original member of Motorhead, the legendary English rock band he formed in 1975. Over the course of four decades, the band, which was equal parts punk rock and heavy metal, released over 22 albums, which sold upwards of 30 million worldwide. Kilmister was born in Straffordshire, but spent most of his early years in North Wales. After leaving high school early, he worked various menial jobs while learning to play the guitar. When he was 16, he saw one of the Beatles‘ iconic Cavern Club shows and instantly knew he wanted to make music. The next day, he bought Please Please Me and learned to play the guitar while playing along with it. After performing in a series of local bands, Kilmister moved to London where he shared a flat with 
Stevie Wright was an English-born singer and songwriter best remembered as the lead singer of Sydney, Australia’s Easybeats. The band, and Wright in particular, are widely regarded as Australia’s first international pop stars. Formed in 1964, the Easybeats quickly rose to the top of the heap of local bands that were direct byproducts of the British Invasion. In fact, the group first found its footing in a tiny hangout in pub basement that was dubbed Beatle Village. Within a year, the Easybeats were signed to Parlophone Records and quickly built a sizable following throughout Australia. By the end of 1965, they were playing to sell-out crowds and sparking their own Beatlemania-like hysteria coined, “Easyfever.” The band’s hits included “She’s So Fine,” “Come And See Her,” “Sorry,” and most notably, “Friday On My Mind,” their only true international hit. After the band split up in 1969, Wright fronted a handful of other bands and launched a solo career. In 1972, he performed as Simon the Zealot in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. In 1986, Wright reunited with the Easybeats for a brief Australian tour. He ultimately retired in 2009. On December 27, 2015, Stevie Wright died of pneumonia. He was 68.
Born and raised in Georgia, Billy Joe Royal was a pop and country singer who had a string of hits during the ’50s and ’60s and ’80s. His biggest hit came by way of 1965’s “Down In The Boondocks,” which reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and helped define the soft rock sound of its day. Hits like “I Knew You When,” “Hush,” and “Cherry Hill Park” followed. During the ’70s, Royal experienced a comeback of sorts when his “Heart’s Desire” found fandom along the UK Northern Soul circuit. During the ’80s, Royal became one of the first pop stars to successfully crossover to country. He had several Top 10 hits including “I’ll Pin A Note On Your Pillow” and “Tell It Like It Is.” Billy Joe Royal was 73 when he died in his sleep on October 6, 2015. Cause of death was not immediately released.