David Bowie (1947-2016): A Life of Changes

English: David Bowie at the Area2 Festival, San Francisco (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Change was what David Bowie's life was all about, whether it was personal, on stage or in his musical styles.  The final change came shortly after he turned 69--and the release of his album "Blackstar" (which has already shot to the top of the charts)--with his death.  He had had cancer for the past year and a half.

Bowie, who changed his name from David Jones to avoid confusion with the future Monkee, was a musical chameleon.  Whether it was as Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke or some other stage persona, he kept being relevant in an ever-changing music scene by going along with whatever the current style was, be it disco, R&B or just plain rock:  "Space Oddity", "Fame", "Changes", "Golden Years", "Let's Dance" and others.

Bowie also influenced fashion as Ziggy Stardust, defining the word androgynous and its meaning for a generation.  Sometimes it was hard for rock critics (and even some of his fans) to figure out where Ziggy and the Duke ended, and Bowie began.

Bowie's acting career was hit or miss.  "The Man Who Fell To Earth", "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" and "Absolute Beginners" were some of his contributions to Hollywood.  He also appeared on Broadway, taking the lead role in a production of "The Elephant Man".  And he also had the distinction of appearing on Bing Crosby's last TV special, which aired after his death in 1977, collaborating on a version of "The Little Drummer Boy".

In his career, Bowie has influenced (and been influenced by) many a musician, trends, and others who saw him as a voice brave enough to break down the walls of societal norms when it came to sexuality.  Others saw him as the antidote to the 1970s-era bloated rock star, with lifestyle to match.  Bowie was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, though he declined to attend the ceremonies.

Time has run out for David Bowie.  All that's left is the glitter, the stardust, and the notion that time marches on.  But music and lifestyles will keep on changing whether Bowie's around to influence it or not.