I was utterly shocked when I saw the Facebook post from David Bowie's page at 12:32 am this morning...that he had died from an 18 month long battle with cancer. I had no idea that he even had cancer. I don't think anyone but his family and closest friends were aware. Once I realized it was indeed true and not another hoax, I was hit with crushing sorrow. I have been a fan of his since I was a child. What can I say...my parents had great taste in music. I remember owning and wearing a David Bowie t-shirt to school regularly when I was in the 6th grade. Most of the other kids were like, "Who is he?" So, I consider myself a lifelong fan. His music in the 80s defined me, and then I rediscovered his earlier stuff in the late 80s/early 90s. And then there was his acting career. Who can forget his stellar role in Labyrinth or his fantastic, yet heartbreaking, turn in the masterpiece that was The Hunger.
I will truly, truly miss him and will now be adding another yearly tribute to my blog in January, each year on the day of his death, January 10, 2016 (I post a tribute to Heath Ledger each year on January 22, the date of his death...this will be the 7th year). I have his biography, David Bowie: Starman by Paul Trynka so I will be reading it very soon...if I can get past the sadness.
As a tribute today to what truly defined him, his genius music, I've shared some of my favorites below.
