Iconic Performer, Rock Legend, Groundbreaking Artist David Bowie Dies At 69
Prime Minister Of Britain, Fellow Music Legends, People Worldwide Mourn Death Of David Bowie
David Bowie died Sunday night in New York at the age of 69, after an 18 month fight against cancer. Born David Robert Jones in South London in 1947, his final album was released on his birthday, this past Friday.
January 10 2016 – David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle… https://t.co/ENRSiT43Zy
— David Bowie Official (@DavidBowieReal) January 11, 2016
Here’s a live feed of people paying tribute in front of the David Bowie mural in Brixton, where Bowie grew up:
Known for his music, spanning a multitude of genres, the singer-songwriter released 28 studio albums, including The Man Who Sold the World, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Diamond Dogs, Young Americans, Let’s Dance, and his final album, Blackstar.
But Bowie was also an active and accomplished actor, appearing on Broadway in The Elephant Man, and in nearly two dozen movies, including Just a Gigolo, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, Into the Night, The Last Temptation of Christ, and The Prestige.
Bowie once described himself as “not quite an atheist.”
In 1972 Bowie announced he was gay, and in 1976, he told Playboy he was bisexual. “It’s true—I am a bisexual. But I can’t deny that I’ve used that fact very well. I suppose it’s the best thing that ever h appened to me,” Bowie said, which he later regretted announcing, because, he said, America is “a very puritanical place.”
Bowie won two Grammy awards, three BRIT Awards, along with various other ones.Â
In 2000 he declined being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), and in 2003 he declined a knighthood.
David Bowie leaves behind his wife, the famous model Iman, whom he married in 1992. The couple have a daughter. Bowie also has a son, Duncan Jones, from his first marriage, who today posted this tweet:
Very sorry and sad to say it’s true. I’ll be offline for a while. Love to all. pic.twitter.com/Kh2fq3tf9m
— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2016
Overnight, condolences have poured in, including this from British Prime Minister David Cameron:
I grew up listening to and watching the pop genius David Bowie. He was a master of re-invention, who kept getting it right. A huge loss.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 11, 2016
And Madonna:
Im Devastated! This great Artist changed my life! First concert i ever saw in Detroit! R.IP. â¤ï¸ #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/hGfxI967Bw
— Madonna (@Madonna) January 11, 2016
Talented . Unique. Genius. Game Changer. The Man who Fell to Earth. Your Spirit Lives on Forever! ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸ #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/k3k3lfL3Bv
— Madonna (@Madonna) January 11, 2016
So lucky to have met you!!!! Hot Tramp I love you So! â¤ï¸ #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/INKPRCeofK
— Madonna (@Madonna) January 11, 2016
And others:
The Rolling Stones are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of our dear friend David Bowie… 1/2
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) January 11, 2016
As well as being a wonderful and kind man, he was an extraordinary artist, and a true original. 2/2 #DavidBowie
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) January 11, 2016
MESSAGE FROM IGGY: “David’s friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is. – Iggy Pop”
— Iggy Pop (@IggyPop) January 11, 2016
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Image, top, by Photobra|Adam Bielawski via Wikimedia and a CC License
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