The World Loses a Rock n' Roll & Fashion Pioneer

"Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes,

Turn and face the strange,

Ch-ch-changes..."

Never one to shy away from being different, David Bowie was legendary for embracing the weird. He allowed this mentality to influence his flamboyant fashion choices and music styles, leading to an immensely successful career spanning over four decades.

You might be asking yourself, so who is David Bowie? Well, he’s only one of the biggest rock music icons and fashion trailblazers of our time. 

Have you been living under a rock?

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The ultimate envelope pusher, Bowie was never one to shy away from experimenting -- musically, sexually, or stylistically. He embraced being strange and impressively different and used this tactic to reinvent himself. Rarely do we find a star who is so successful in embracing change in a way that keeps him familiar. It was easy for fans and collaborators to admire him and his unique persona. He challenged his fans to embrace the weird and they were all too willing to oblige. His success in reinvention kept everyone guessing and as a result has influenced thousands. Simply, he was unlike anyone else. 

http://variety.com/2016/music/news/david-bowie-dead-69-artistic-force-appreciation-1201676855/

The ever-creative genius, Bowie showed a talent for music early on in life. In 1962 at age 15, he had formed his own band and by 1969, his first big hit “Space Oddity” was released in the U.K. Shortly after, in 1973 it was released in the United States to an overwhelmingly positive reaction. The release of the song not only showcased Bowie’s talent for music, but also for timing. “Space Oddity” was released just before the Apollo 11 mission put men on the moon. This timing was huge in tying a significant moment in our history to Bowie’s music. “Space Oddity” is still today considered by many to be his most popular and most successful song (and it is impressively catchy). As a result, he skyrocketed (pardon the pun) to fame in the 1970s. His music became immensely popular and he quickly became a Rock n’ Roll pioneer. The psychedelic culture of the ‘70s allowed Bowie to embrace his flamboyant side to pursue an ever-evolving persona. 

 

While in 2016, we may have referred to him as “edgy” or even “emo,” in the 1970s it was all about being psychedelic. Bowie was famous for challenging the norms of sexuality. He embraced his flamboyant side and pursued wild style choices and refused to define himself. He became famous for blurring the lines of sexuality, as well as music. He was the original
“edgy” Rock n’ Roller. 

Bowie was best known for his success in rock music, fashion, musical theatre and film, just to name a few. He collaborated with a wide range of musicians, from Queen to Nine Inch Nails to jazz musicians. He has influenced a wide range of singers and songwriters, from Lady Gaga to Madonna to even Kanye West. In his forty-year career, Bowie sold over 140 million records worldwide and his music has stemmed generations. 

Not many musicians can say they had a career that spanned as long as his, let alone one that achieved so much success. Bowie earned his well-deserved place in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, earning him the title of rock music icon. He was very well respected by all who knew him as well as his fans.

We wish to say thank you Mr. Bowie, for “ch-ch-ch-chang”[ing] all of us with your precious talent. We will forever cherish your creativity and influence on our culture. 

http://www.tagthebird.com/us/tweet/7197686 

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bowie
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/arts/music/david-bowie-dies-at-69.html?_r=0