Capture from the Changes One Bowie Cover Shoot, 1976 | Image: RCA
The world has lost one of its most esteemed musical and cultural influences in David Bowie, who died Sunday surrounded by family after an eighteen-month battle with cancer. He passed two days after turning 69 years of age. Bowie lived to see the release of his last album Blackstar, which dropped on his birthday, Friday, January 8, 2016.
David Bowie was far from being just a talented and revered musician and lyricist. He was widely regarded as a fearless visionary whose continually progressive thoughts on theater, image, literature, self-reinvention, sexuality, fashion, celebrity, culture and more were closely followed by the public as well as creatives and decision makers in all branches of the arts. From a New York Times article on David Bowie's passing:
Mr. Bowie wrote songs, above all, about being an outsider: an alien, a misfit, a sexual adventurer, a faraway astronaut. His music was always a mutable blend: rock, cabaret, jazz, and what he called "plastic soul," but it was suffused with genuine soul. He also captured the drama and longing of everyday life...
Mr. Bowie earned emulation and admiration across the musical spectrum: from rockers, balladeers, punks, hip-hop acts, creators of pop spectacles and even classical composers like Philip Glass, who based two symphonies on Mr. Bowie's albums "Low" and "Heroes."
Throughout Mr. Bowie's metamorphoses, he was always recognizable. His voice was widely imitated but always his own; his message was that there was always empathy beyond difference."
Rest in peace, David Bowie. You will be greatly missed.
(motors off to my other hidey hole)