David Bowie
Early Life
David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie, was born on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, England. His mother, Margaret Mary "Peggy" Jones, was a waitress, while his father, Haywood Stenton "John" Jones, worked as a promotions officer for the children's charity Barnardo's. Bowie's interest in music was sparked at a young age when his father brought home a collection of American 45s by artists like The Platters and Elvis Presley.
Career Beginnings
Bowie's music career began in the mid-1960s, with a series of bands and releases that failed to achieve commercial success. His first single, "Liza Jane," was released under the name Davie Jones with the King Bees. To avoid confusion with Davy Jones of The Monkees, he adopted the stage name David Bowie, inspired by the knife developed by the 19th-century American pioneer Jim Bowie.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Bowie's breakthrough came in 1969 with the song "Space Oddity", which was released to coincide with the Apollo 11 moon landing. The song reached the top five in the UK Singles Chart and began to establish Bowie's reputation as a unique and innovative artist. His subsequent album, "The Man Who Sold the World" (1970), further cemented his status, featuring a harder rock sound and lyrics that explored issues of insanity, gender, and technology.
Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
In 1972, Bowie introduced his alter ego Ziggy Stardust, a doomed rock star, and released the album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars". The album, and its hit single "Starman", catapulted Bowie to stardom. His flamboyant and androgynous appearance, marked by brightly colored costumes and makeup, challenged traditional notions of rock and pop masculinity and made him an icon of the glam rock era.
Later Career and Artistic Evolution
Bowie's career was marked by constant reinvention. His music encompassed a variety of styles, including pop, rock, soul, electronic, and experimental music. He was known for his distinctive voice, eclectic musical style, and visual presentation, often changing his appearance and musical direction from one album to the next. His notable albums from this period include "Young Americans" (1975), "Heroes" (1977), and "Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)" (1980).
Death and Legacy
Bowie died on January 10, 2016, two days after his 69th birthday and the release of his final album, "Blackstar". His death was the result of liver cancer, which he had been privately battling for 18 months. Bowie's influence on music, fashion, and culture is immeasurable, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.