#23 David Bowie

David Bowie is the great chameleon. His image is forever changing. Bowie emerged from Britain’s Art Rock scene in the late 60s and his first album was barely noticed. However, he caught people’s attention in 1969 with “Space Oddity” which coincided with the moon landing. After which, he spent some time searching for a direction.

In 1972, Bowie moved away from Syd Barrett influenced Art Rock and created an androgynous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. Bowie was so wrapped up in the role, people did not know where Ziggy started and Bowie ended. Bowie’s creation launched the glam scene. Presentation, image, and the visual became as important as the music. Shortly after creating Ziggy Stardust, Bowie killed him.

By the mid-70s, Bowie was scoring pop hits. He altered his music and persona and alienated and confused his listeners. Then, he went to Berlin to look for the next thing and ran into Iggy Pop and Brian Eno. The albums he created represented the successful “Berlin Trilogy.”

By 1980, Bowie was a successful pop star that appeared in decline. Then came MTV. Music Television suited Bowie perfectly. One of the first hit videos on the channel was Bowie’s surreal “Ashes to Ashes.” He also recorded “Under Pressure” with Queen. Bowie then decided to change it up again and did a pop album. 1983’s “Let’s Dance” spawned several hits. David Bowie was now one of the biggest stars around and played Live Aid in 1985. The rest of the decade was at best uneven. Although, he did get to play Pontius Pilot in The Last Temptation of Christ. Bowie has appeared in a number of films including Labyrinth, The Prestige, and Zoolander.

After doing a farewell tour of sorts, Bowie formed Tin Man. This minimized Bowie and made him part of a group. Although the band was good, it did not catch on. Once again, Bowie confused people.

In the 90s, Bowie went electronic and bordered on industrial. He did perform the old stuff at the Freddy Mercury Tribute in 1992. He also played “Heroes” at the Concert for New York following the 911 attacks. Bowie was one of the show's highlights. In 2004, he suffered a heart attack, but continues to show up from time to time. His most notable appearance in recent years was with Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall. He is a member of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and continues to act and record.

Rock n Roll Moment: Bowie outed himself as a bisexual in 1972...long before it was hip. He later recanted.

Essential Bowie:

Hunky Dory (1971)
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust (1972)
Aladdin Sane (1973)
Young Americans (1975)
Station to Station (1976)
Low (1977)
Heroes (1977)
Lodger (1978)
Let’s Dance (1983)

Bowie’s Top 10:

Space Oddity
The Man Who Sold the World
Changes
Life on Mars?
Ziggy Stardust
Suffragette City
The Jean Genie
Rebel Rebel
Young Americans
Heroes