David Bowie always had a presence in my home, he was my mom's favorite artist and my childhood pet was even named Ziggy, after Ziggy Star Dust. His Absolut Vodka ad hung as decoration in our house and the volume was always raised on the radio when he came on. So on Monday morning, when news broke that David Bowie had passed away, a somber feeling was inevitable in my home.
Two days after his 69th birthday, David Bowie passed away after battling cancer unknown to the public. He had been battling the illness for almost 18 months. Since Bowie broke into the music scene in the 1960s, he has changed the rock music genre and pushed the limits of pop culture. Although a British native, Bowie's described himself in his music as an alien, an outsider, a misfit astronaut; "The Man Who Fell to Earth". His music dabbled in rock and roll, jazz, "plastic soul", and many other eclectic genres.
Not only did Bowie change the UK and US music scenes, but he broke social boundaries by pushing gender roles and exploring his sexuality publicly. He explored "rock as theater" and expressed his androgyny through the flexibility of his voice and his avant garde fashions. He perfected the image of "glam rock" and had major success with his albums such as "Hunky Dory", "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Star Dust and the Spiders from Mars" and "Aladdin Sane".
With success came a growing drug problem, and Bowie announced the retirement of Ziggy Stardust, but not of David Bowie in 1974. He moved first to the U.S, then Switzerland and then Germany, helping other artists such as Iggy Pop while still creating music himself. Bowie monopolized the pop scene in the 80s and explored musical theater as well.
In 1996 Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although he was not present to accept it, and ten years later in 2006, he performed publicly for the last time. Bowie released his last album on his 69th birthday, two days before his death. The album explored ideas of death and fame, and in light of his passing, fans understand how this album was truly his parting gift and final art project.
Bowie lived comfortable as a New Yorker, he lived a very ordinary life under the radar in Manhattan for the last 20 years. Many modern pop stars have looked up to Bowie not only in his professional life, but his personal life. The biggest example being Lady Gaga. She used extravagant stage setups, costumes, and characters; but is able to maintain the privacy and comfort of her personal life.
David Bowie was and will always be a legend, and he will be missed by fans greatly. Although he has passed, his music will live forever.
In the lyrics of The Prettiest Star, "You and I will rise up all the way,
All because of what you are, The Prettiest Star"
