Connect
To Top

Last night, singer, songwriter and all around genius David Bowie lost his 18-month battle with cancer, succumbing to the disease in London surrounded by his family. Today, his absence is mourned by music lovers the world over. Over the course of a 50-plus year career, the masterful musician created hours of music that was somehow both experimental and courageous as well as a true joy to listen to.

Of all the talent in his generation (and there was a lot), Bowie stood apart from the crowd. His take on pop music was nothing short of revelatory, effortlessly blending everyday imagery with high-minded themes. Just check out Hunky Dory if you’re looking for a beginning-to-end masterpiece. Or The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Or even his newest, Blackstar, which he released just last Friday to exceptionally positive reviews. Even in his final moments, the rock star found new ways to express himself; the album is a beautiful, careening journey led by an artist who has reached the height of his power.

Born David Robert Jones, the man who would become David Bowie spent his youth in Brixton, a blue collar neighborhood in South London. He excelled at music from an early age, quickly acquiring a reputation among his fellow students and teachers as being extremely gifted. It wasn’t the last time people would make that observation. He started his first band at age 15 and spent several years bouncing around the London music scene, learning the ropes.

When he emerged as David Bowie in 1967 (a name he chose to avoid confusion with Davy Jones, the lead singer of the Monkees), he was still several years away from stardom. Over the course of the next several decades, though, Bowie found his place as one of rock music’s most transformative stars. He adopted several enigmatic personas with new music styles to match the new personalities (nearly all of which were brilliant). He picked up acting gigs (even starring in the now cult classic Labyrinth), and established himself as a name in the world of fashion, all the while veering into new creative directions at every turn. He never backed down from a challenge, and he never forgot his devotion to art in every form.

Today, the world is a little less magical for his passing. The entire music world mourns the loss of one of the most instrumental and talented pioneers in modern music, a man who was a captivating to watch as he was to listen to.

May 19, 2014 - Berlin: Impressions From The "David Bowie" Exhibition In The Martin Gropius-Bau, Berlin-Tiergarten.
360b / shutterstock.com

More in News

  • Sophie Turner Quitting Acting

    The Game of Thrones actress has been done filming Season 8 since last summer, and apparently she’s been on a hiatus...

    Katie RosbottomApril 17, 2019
  • Hoda Kotb Adopts Her Second Child

    Following Tuesday morning’s episode of Today, the co-anchor announced via phone that she has adopted a second child, a daughter named...

    Katie RosbottomApril 16, 2019
  • Wendy Williams Files for Divorce

    Yesterday, it was confirmed that the daytime talk show host has officially filed for divorce from her husband of over two...

    Katie RosbottomApril 12, 2019
  • Nipsey Hussle Memorial Service Draws Thousands

    The late rapper’s ‘Celebration of Life’ is taking place at the Staples Center today, and TMZ is live streaming what’s expected...

    Katie RosbottomApril 11, 2019
  • Charles Van Doren Dead at 93

    Charles Van Doren, one of the most infamous TV game show contestants of all time, has passed away.   According to...

    Katie RosbottomApril 10, 2019
  • Kim Kardashian Taking Bar Exam in 2022

    The reality star has plans to follow in her father Robert Kardashian’s footsteps by becoming an attorney, and she’s aiming to...

    Katie RosbottomApril 10, 2019