Biography
David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, emerged as one of the most influential and innovative figures in 20th-century music. Raised in south London, Bowie developed an early passion for music, inspired by American rock and jazz, and began playing saxophone at age 13. His half-brother Terry Burns introduced him to modern jazz and beat literature, which profoundly shaped his artistic outlook. Bowie started his professional music career in the early 1960s, performing with various bands such as The King Bees and The Lower Third, before adopting the stage name David Bowie in 1966 to avoid confusion with Davy Jones of The Monkees. His first solo album in 1967 failed to make a commercial impact, but the 1969 release of 'Space Oddity' marked his breakthrough, reaching the UK top five and establishing his reputation as a bold new voice in British pop.[2][3][4]
The 1970s saw Bowie’s meteoric rise, beginning with the critically acclaimed albums 'The Man Who Sold the World' (1970) and 'Hunky Dory' (1971). His 1972 creation of the flamboyant alter ego Ziggy Stardust, showcased on 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,' propelled him to global stardom and defined the glam rock era. Bowie was renowned for his constant reinvention, shifting from glam rock to 'plastic soul' with 'Young Americans' (1975), which featured his first US number-one single 'Fame' (co-written with John Lennon). The late 1970s 'Berlin Trilogy'—'Low,' 'Heroes,' and 'Lodger'—saw Bowie collaborating with Brian Eno and exploring electronic and experimental sounds, further cementing his reputation as a musical innovator.[2][4]
Bowie’s legacy is defined by his fearless experimentation, theatrical stagecraft, and ability to anticipate and shape musical trends. His influence spans genres from glam rock and soul to electronic and art rock, and his visual presentation and alter egos, such as Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke, have left a lasting mark on popular culture. With estimated record sales of over 140 million worldwide, Bowie is celebrated as a pioneer whose work continues to inspire generations of musicians and artists.[2][4]
Fun Facts
- Bowie's distinctive eyes are due to a permanently dilated pupil from a teenage fight, giving him a striking appearance.
- He was one of the first white artists to appear on the US TV show Soul Train, performing 'Fame' and 'Golden Years.'
- Bowie declined a knighthood from the British government in 2003, stating he never intended to accept such honors.
- He created several alter egos, the most famous being Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke, each with unique musical and visual styles.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Terry Burns - Bowie's half-brother who introduced him to modern jazz, beat literature, and avant-garde ideas, shaping his early artistic development. (Early songwriting and musical exploration) [1950s-1960s]
- Little Richard - Major musical inspiration; Bowie's exposure to Little Richard's 'Tutti Frutti' was a formative moment in his youth. (Influence on Bowie's early rock and roll style) [1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Mick Ronson - Lead guitarist and key member of Bowie's backing band, the Spiders from Mars; crucial in shaping Bowie's glam rock sound. (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Aladdin Sane, Hunky Dory) [1970-1973]
- Brian Eno - Producer and collaborator on the experimental 'Berlin Trilogy,' helping Bowie explore electronic and ambient music. (Low, 'Heroes', Lodger) [1977-1979]
- John Lennon - Co-writer and performer; collaborated on the hit single 'Fame' and contributed to the album 'Young Americans.' (Young Americans (song: Fame)) [1975]
- Carlos Alomar - Guitarist and bandleader; frequent collaborator throughout the 1970s and 1980s, co-wrote 'Fame.' (Young Americans, Station to Station, Low, Lodger) [1975-1983]
- Tony Visconti - Producer and long-term collaborator, worked on many of Bowie's most important albums. (Space Oddity, Young Americans, Low, 'Heroes', Lodger, Scary Monsters, Heathen, Blackstar) [1969-2016]
- Queen - Collaborated with Bowie on the iconic single 'Under Pressure.' (Under Pressure (single)) [1981]
Artists Influenced
- Lady Gaga - Cites Bowie as a primary influence on her theatrical style and genre-blending approach. (The Fame Monster, Born This Way) [2008-present]
- Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) - Inspired by Bowie's experimental work; later collaborated with Bowie on tour and remixes. (Outside Tour, remixes of 'I'm Afraid of Americans') [1995-1997]
- Arcade Fire - Band members have cited Bowie as a major influence on their sound and artistic vision. (Reflektor (Bowie contributed backing vocals)) [2013]
- Madonna - Inspired by Bowie's reinvention and visual presentation. (Throughout her career) [1980s-present]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (2012 Remaster) | 1972-06-06 | Album |
| Let's Dance (2018 Remaster) | 1983-04-14 | Album |
| Hunky Dory (2015 Remaster) | 1971-12-17 | Album |
| Hot Space (Deluxe Remastered Version) | 1982-05-03 | Album |
| "Heroes" (2017 Remaster) | 1977 | Album |
| David Bowie (aka Space Oddity) [2015 Remaster] | 1969-11-04 | Album |
| Diamond Dogs (2016 Remaster) | 1974-05-24 | Album |
| Young Americans (2016 Remaster) | 1975-03-07 | Album |
| Bohemian Rhapsody (The Original Soundtrack) | 2018-10-19 | Album |
| Labyrinth (From The Original Soundtrack Of The Jim Henson Film) | 1986-01-01 | Album |
| Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) [2017 Remaster] | 1980 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Under Pressure - Remastered 2011 (Hot Space (2011 Remaster))
- Starman - 2012 Remaster (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (2012 Remaster))
- Heroes - 2017 Remaster ("Heroes" (2017 Remaster))
- Under Pressure - Remastered 2011 (Hot Space (Deluxe Remastered Version))
- Space Oddity - 2015 Remaster (David Bowie (aka Space Oddity) [2015 Remaster])
- Let's Dance - 2018 Remaster (Let's Dance (2018 Remaster))
- Rebel Rebel - 2016 Remaster (Diamond Dogs (2016 Remaster))
- Modern Love - 2018 Remaster (Let's Dance (2018 Remaster))
- Moonage Daydream - 2012 Remaster (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (2012 Remaster))
- Life on Mars? - 2015 Remaster (Hunky Dory (2015 Remaster))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
David Bowie has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2026 | 02:52 | Where Are We Now?from The Next Day | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Oct 6, 2025 | 23:14 | Criminal World | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Sep 29, 2025 | 22:25 | I'm Deranged | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Sep 22, 2025 | 01:21 | Where Are We Now?from The Next Day | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis | |
| Sep 18, 2025 | 23:17 | Kooks | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady |