Remembering Ziggy: Looking back on the life of David Bowie

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Remembering Ziggy: Looking back on the life of David Bowie

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Remembering Ziggy: Looking back on the life of David Bowie

On January 10, 2016, David Bowie passed away after a fight with cancer, waiting until just after the release of his last album, 'Blackstar,' on his birthday two days earlier, to rest in peace. To pay tribute to one of the most visionary artists of all time, we have some facts about the superstar lined up for you. Click on and take a look!

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Bowie was his artistic name

His real name was David Robert Jones, but he originally adopted the stage name Davy Jones. He later had to change it, however, to avoid being mixed up with another Davy Jones (from the Monkees) in the music industry.

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What do these two stars have in common?

The British and American stars shared the same birthday: January 8. Even if you don't believe in star signs, it's definitely true that they both had strong Capricorn personalities.

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Freedom for hair!

At 17 years old, Bowie fought for the right to wear his hair long. It might seem bizarre, but in 1964 the controversy was so real that he and his friends created the 'Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men.'

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Annoyed

In a BBC interview, Bowie explained how it annoyed himself and his friends, especially when people called them "darling" or something similar.

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Different-color eyes

The singer wasn't born with two different-colored eyes. His right pupil was left permanently dilated after school friend George Underwood hit him in a fight over a girl at the age of 15. George Underwood would later become a collaborator. Bowie asked his friend, who became an artist, if he would design some of his albums. He agreed, and did the art for both 'Hunky Dory' (1971) and 'Ziggy Stardust' (1972).

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Famous school friend

Guitarist Peter Frampton and Bowie were childhood friends. Frampton's father was a teacher at their school, and the two often played together.

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In tune with the times

'Space Oddity' (1969) was the first hit released by Bowie in Great Britain. The song was used in the BBC's coverage of the moon landings.

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Bowie's astronaut

The character Major Tom, created by Bowie and who appears for the first time in 'Space Oddity' is also mentioned in 'Ashes to Ashes' (1980), 'Hallo Spaceboy' (1996), 'New Killer Star' (2003), and 'Blackstar' (2016).

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'Space Oddity' in Italian

Few people know or remember it, but this famous song was recorded in Italian, called 'Ragazzo Solo, Ragazza Sola,' or in English, 'Lonely Boy, Lonely Girl.'

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Ziggy Stardust

Bowie revealed in an interview that the alter ego was based on a failed American musician named Vince Taylor, who eventually went crazy.

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Berlin Trilogy

The Berlin Trilogy refers to the 'Low,' 'Heroes,' and 'Lodger' albums, produced by Brian Eno. The albums were recorded while Bowie was living in Berlin.

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Tribute

Bowie is mentioned in the song 'Trans Europe Express' (1977) by Kraftwerk, a German electronic band: "Meet Iggy Pop and David Bowie - TRANS EUROPE EXPRESS!"

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Bowie was a fan...

In terms of modern artists, the Chameleon loved Arcade Fire and TV on the Radio. While recording 'Blackstar,' his last album, Bowie was listening to a lot of Kendrick Lamar.

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The world goes round...

Nile Rodgers, founder of Chic, didn't get the spot as lead guitarist for Bowie's 'Young Americans' album (1975). Ironically though, Rodgers later produced and played on 'Let's Dance' (1983), Bowie's biggest-selling hit.

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Fashion icon

Bowie was one of the artists who relied most heavily on fashion to express himself and convey the identities of his characters.

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Well-dressed

Over time the artist moved from skinny style, to the androgynous style of glam rock, to the colorful suits of new wave, to the more sober, sophisticated style of his later years.

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A song even he didn't like

Before kicking off his 1990 tour, Bowie suggested fans vote via telephone for the tune they most wanted to hear. 'The Laughing Gnome' was the most requested, but he didn't play it.

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A man of many talents

Bowie also drew, painted, wrote, and was even a sculptor in his free time. His favorite artists were Tintoretto, John Bellany, Erich Heckel, Picasso, and Michael Ray Charles.

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Multi-instrumentalist

He played almost all the instruments on 'Diamond Dogs', including the classic riff on 'Rebel Rebel'. He started to play saxophone at the age of 12.

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Bisexuality

His first wife Angie Bowie said that Bowie had an affair with Mick Jagger, however, both he and his ex-girlfriend Ava Cherry have denied those claims.

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No to the Queen

The singer rejected a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) from Queen Elizabeth II.

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Rebel?

He has rejected the title of Sir twice, in 2000 and 2003. The artist told The Sun that he never intended to accept the award and he doesn't know why he would be awarded it, as it wasn't something he had worked for.

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Failed group

In 1970, he formed the band The Hype, in which all the members dressed as spoof superheroes.

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Lyrics and vocals

One of Queen's biggest hits was written by Bowie. 'Under Pressure,' from the 'Hot Space' (1981) album, was made in collaboration with the singer, who provided lyrics and co-lead vocals.

Miming

In 1969, Bowie started his own mime troupe, Feathers, another experimental artistic endeavor.

Friend of John Lennon

Bowie and the former Beatle collaborated on the single 'Fame' from the 'Young Americans' album, which reached number one on the charts in September 1975. Bowie covered the Beatles' 'Across the Universe' on the same album.

Inspiration

Bowie had a schizophrenic half-brother who committed suicide in 1985. He inspired songs like 'Aladdin Sane,' 'All the Madmen,' 'The Bewlay Brothers,' and 'Jump They Say.'

Late recognition?

The super star of rock only received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997! Around the same time, he also released his 'Earthling' album.

Covered

'The Man Who Sold the World,' his 1970 song, was covered by Nirvana. Before this, singer Lulu also recorded an interpretation of the song.

Great love

Bowie had several relationships, with men and women. But his great love was Somali model Iman. They married in 1992 and are parents to Alexandria Zahra Jones.

Let's Dance

As well as having a catchy, upbeat dance rhythm, 'Let's Dance' (1983) is also a message against racism and oppression.

Honored

In 1999, Bowie received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music.

Cinema

Bowie played artist Andy Warhol in the film 'Basquiat' (1996).

Notable roles

Director Nicolas Roeg cast Bowie in his first main role, as the alien in 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' (1976). He also starred in 'Labyrinth' and played Pontius Pilate in 'The Last Temptation of Christ' (1988) by Martin Scorsese.

Rewind

The track 'Move On' from the album 'Lodger' (1979) uses the music from 'All the Young Dudes' played backward.