David Bowie

David Bowie (b. David Jones, January 8 1947 in London, England - ), British rock and roll musician from the 1960s into the 21st century. Initially a saxophonist and vocalist with various blues groups, such as The Lower Third, in '60s London, Bowie's greatest strength through his career has been his ability to adapt his public image to fit, and often in advance of, the prevailing musical trends. Heavily influence by the dramatic arts, from avant-garde theatre and mime to Commedia del Arte much of his work has involved the creation of characters or personae, to present to the world.

His first flirtation with fame came in 1969 when his single Space Oddity was released to coincide with the first moon landing. A failure first time out, it later became a UK hit record. His first album, The Man Who Sold The World (1970), rejected the acoustic guitar sound of Oddity replacing it with the [heavy rock]? backing provided by long-term collaborator Mick Ronson. (The title track provided an unlikely hit for UK pop singer Lulu?, and would later be recorded by Kurt Cobain's Nirvana.) His next record, Hunky Dory (1971), saw the partial return of the fey pop singer of Oddity, with light fare such as the droll "Kooks" and "Oh You Pretty Things" sitting along side the verbose philosophising of "The Bewlay Brothers". Lyrically, Bowie also took the time to pay tribute to some of his influences, on "Song for Bob Dylan", "Andy Warhol" and "Queen Bitch" (dedicated to The Velvet Underground). Supported by another hit single in "Life On Mars", Hunky Dory sold tremendously well and lifted Bowie into first rank of stars.

His hit singles include Space Oddity, Ziggy Stardust, Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes and Let's Dance.

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External links

• The official David Bowie web site is:
  • http://www.davidbowie.com/
• There is an unofficial web site at:
  • http://www.teenagewildlife.com/
• For a list of David Bowie related websites see:
  • http://www.worlds.net/hotlinks/David_Bowie.html