David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, was an English singer, songwriter, and actor. He was known for his influential music and acting roles, and his impact on music, fashion, and culture was profound. Bowie died on January 10, 2016, at his Lafayette Street home in New York City, having been diagnosed with liver cancer 18 months earlier.
Origins & Early Formation
David Bowie was born in Brixton, London, on January 8, 1947. He was the son
of Margaret Mary "Peggy" (née Burns) and Haywood Stenton "John" Jones. Bowie showed an interest in music from an early age and began playing the saxophone at the age of 13. He attended Bromley Technical High School, where he studied art, music, and design.
First Steps into Public Life
Bowie's first single, "Liza Jane," was released in 1964 under the name Davie Jones with the King Bees. He changed his stage name to David Bowie in 1966 to avoid confusion with Davy Jones of The Monkees. Bowie's breakthrough came with the release of "Space Oddity" in 1969, which reached the top five in the UK Singles Chart.
Rise & Turning Points
Bowie's rise to fame continued with the release of "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" in 1972, which established him as a major figure in the music industry. His alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, became an iconic character, and Bowie was known for his theatrical performances and androgynous appearance. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Bowie released a series of successful albums, including "Young Americans," "Heroes," and "Let's Dance."
Final Years, Death & Legacy
In the years leading up to his death, Bowie continued to work on new music and projects. He released his final studio album, "Blackstar," on January 8, 2016, his 69th birthday. Bowie died two days later, on January 10, 2016. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians, and his impact on music and culture was widely recognized. Bowie left an estate of around $100 million to his wife, Iman, and his two children.
