Happy Birthday David Bowie

By Mary Miller Cullins

On January 8, 1947, David Robert Jones, (known by his stage name as David Bowie), was born in Brixton, a district of South London, England. 

A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular and rock music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 70′s.  Bowie was first noticed in July of 1969, when his song “Space Oddity” reached the top 5 on the UK Singles Chart.

After a three-year “experimentation” period he reemerged in 1972 during the glam rock era with the flamboyant, androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust.  Spearheaded by the hit single “Starman” and the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Bowie’s impact at that time was described by biographer David Buckley, “challenged the core belief of the rock music of its day” and “created perhaps the biggest cult in popular culture.”   The Ziggy persona was merely one facet of  his career marked by continual reinvention, musical innovation, and striking visual presentations.

In 1975, Bowie achieved his first major American crossover success with the number one single “Fame” and the hit album Young Americans.  Throughout his career David has sold an estimated 140 million albums (I know I bought three), and in the UK was awarded nine Platinum and seven Gold certifications.  In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked him 39th on their list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”, and 23rd on their list of best singers of all-time.

Riding around south St. Louis in the 80′s and listening to Bowie was not uncommon for me and my friends.  It’s hard to believe “Ziggy” is 66 years old!  Best wishes David Bowie, from a St. Louis fan.

Happy Birthday David Bowie

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Posted by Mary Miller Cullins on 11:19 AM. Filed under Fun Facts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.