On Sunday, January 10, 2016, David Bowie, born David Robert Jones, died after an 18 month battle with cancer at 69 years old.
David Bowie was a pioneer in music and he had the gift of reinvention. He was an icon to expanding one’s horizon from A Space Oddity to his last album Blackstar.
He sang with Bing Crosby, Mick Jagger and with Freddie Mercury and Queen. If that isn’t the epitome of an ability to fit in anywhere, there is no comparison of ability.
He had a long lasting marriage. That in itself is a remarkable accomplishment in everyday society, but monumental to celebrities in the public eye. Even though he was, quote, “naming their children the night they met”, Iman was reluctant to get into a relationship with him.
Her take on their relationship is summed up as she fell in love with David Jones, “David Bowie is just a persona.”
Bowie and Iman have been married 22 years and have a 13 year old daughter together. Both Bowie and Iman have a child by a previous relationship.
Bowie was a performer who embraced glam in the 70’s. At that time, no one could quite figure him out. It was a daring act that worked because he had the talent to back up a gimmick.
In the 80’s, he hit his stride and changed his persona once again. He traded suits for the leotards and boa glam. He morphed (back) into an Englishman who could get your feet moving in his 1983 hit, “Let’s Dance”.
He supported various charities and performed with Alicia Keys in 2006 Black Ball in support of Keeping a Child Alive.
He finished his final album, Blackstar just days before his death. His longtime producer, Tony Viscotti, has called the album a parting gift from the “Thin White Duke.”
Viscotti goes on to say that to the end, Bowie did things his way, even to the end of his time here on earth.
David Bowie, a persona, musical chameleon, and entertainment master who could find a fit in the most extraordinary places, will be sorely missed.
