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David Bowie

Influential English musician and actor

David Bowie, born David Robert Jones, was a highly influential English singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Known for his innovative work and reinvention, Bowie's impact on popular music was significant. His diverse career spanned decades, marked by successful albums, iconic personas like Ziggy Stardust, and acclaimed acting roles. Bowie's record sales exceeded 100 million worldwide, solidifying his place as one of the best-selling musicians in history.

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Timeline

David Bowie is born

David Bowie, originally named David Robert Hayward-Jones, is born in Brixton, London. He would go on to become a legendary musician and cultural icon known for his innovative music and unique style.

David Receives His First Instrument

On December 25, 1959, David Bowie received his first musical instrument, marking the beginning of his musical journey.

Bowie's Inspiration from American 45s

At the age of nine, David Bowie's interest in music was ignited when his father introduced him to a collection of American 45s, featuring artists like Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. Bowie was particularly struck by Little Richard's 'Tutti Frutti', describing the experience as hearing 'God'.

Goodbye Davie Jones

On September 13, 1966, David Bowie bid farewell to his previous persona 'Davie Jones' and embraced the name 'David Bowie' as his stage name.

Release of David Bowie's Self-Titled Album

David Bowie's self-titled debut album was released on June 1, 1967, marking the beginning of his musical career.

Release of David Bowie's breakthrough single 'Space Oddity'

Four years after changing his stage name to David Bowie, the 22-year-old musician releases his breakthrough single 'Space Oddity'. The name change was made to avoid confusion with actor and future Monkee Davy Jones.

David Bowie marries Mary Angela Barnett

David Bowie married Mary Angela Barnett on 19 March 1970 at Bromley Register Office in Bromley, London. They had an open marriage and dated other people during it.

David Bowie marries actress Angela Barnett

On March 20, 1970, David Bowie marries actress Angela Barnett. They later have a son named Zowie, who would become the future film director Duncan Jones in May 1971.

Release of Hunky Dory Album

On November 15, 1971, David Bowie released his iconic album 'Hunky Dory', which showcased his musical versatility and creativity.

Release of 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars'

The album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' was released in 1972, becoming one of the defining albums of glam rock. It included hits like 'Starman' and solidified Bowie's UK breakthrough.

Release of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

In June 1972, David Bowie releases his landmark album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars'. This concept album solidified Bowie's status as a flamboyant glam-rock icon.

Ziggy Stardust's Top of The Pops Appearance

On July 6, 1972, David Bowie's alter ego Ziggy Stardust made a groundbreaking appearance on Top of The Pops, performing 'Starman' and embedding the Ziggy Stardust persona into popular culture.

Release of Aladdin Sane Album

David Bowie's album 'Aladdin Sane' was released on April 13, 1973, featuring the iconic lightning bolt makeup on the cover.

Bowie performs “Starman” on Top of the Pops

David Bowie performs his iconic song “Starman” from the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars on the British TV program Top of the Pops. This performance introduces the singer and his Ziggy Stardust persona to a new generation of fans.

The Spiders break up and Bowie retires Ziggy Stardust

After a show at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, The Spiders, David Bowie's backing band, disbands and Bowie announces the retirement of his iconic Ziggy Stardust character.

David Bowie Leaves Britain

David Bowie leaves Britain in 1975 and never lives there again. He resides in various places such as Los Angeles, Berlin, Switzerland, and the island of Mustique, eventually passing away in New York.

Victoria Station Incident

During the Isolar Tour, Bowie's gesture to the crowd in what some alleged was a Nazi salute at Victoria Station in London sparked controversy. Bowie later attributed his behavior to his cocaine addiction and the character of the Thin White Duke.

Release of Heroes Album

On October 14, 1977, David Bowie released the album 'Heroes', which is considered one of his most influential and acclaimed works.

Glass Spider Tour begins

On May 30, 1987, David Bowie's Glass Spider Tour commenced, showcasing a unique performance with a parasailing dance troupe, a giant arachnid prop, and guitarist Peter Frampton.

Formation of Tin Machine

David Bowie forms the band Tin Machine with guitarist Reeves Gabrels to move away from his pop star image. The band releases their self-titled debut album on this day.

David Bowie marries Iman

David Bowie married Somali-American model Iman in a private ceremony in Lausanne on 24 April 1992, solemnised on 6 June in Florence.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Bowie's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry.

In 1997, David Bowie introduced 'Bowie Bonds', which were asset-backed securities of revenues from his 25 albums recorded before 1990. The bonds were bought for $55 million and Bowie received the payment upfront by forfeiting 10 years worth of royalties.

Launch of BowieNet

In 1999, David Bowie launched BowieNet, the world's first artist-created Internet service provider. It was nominated for a WIRED Award for Best Entertainment Site of the Year.

Birth of Alexandria 'Lexi' Zahra Jones

David Bowie and Iman had one daughter, Alexandria 'Lexi' Zahra Jones, born on 15 August 2000.

Concert for New York City

Following the 9/11 attacks, David Bowie performed a remarkable cover of Paul Simon's 'America' at Madison Square Garden during the Concert for New York City.

Launch of Bowienet

Bowienet, considered as one of the first musician-driven social media sites, is launched. It provides downloadable content such as tour recordings and access to the artist's journals for a monthly subscription fee of $20.

Heathen Album Release

Bowie's Heathen album was considered a comeback in the U.S. market, reaching #14 on the charts and receiving strong reviews. It sold over two million copies worldwide and had a successful run on the UK charts.

Release of Heathen

Heathen, an album by David Bowie, was released on September 16, 2003. Despite Bowie's belief in the quality of the songwriting, it faced harsh criticism for its commercial and dull production.

David Bowie's Final Concert

Following a heart attack in Prague, David Bowie performs his last concert in Scheesel, Germany, concluding a 112-show global tour. This marks the end of his touring career.

Release of 'The Next Day'

On January 8, 2013, David Bowie released 'The Next Day', his 27th studio album after a 10-year hiatus. The album received critical acclaim and reached #1 in the UK and 18 other countries.

Release of Blackstar

Blackstar, Bowie's final album released on his 69th birthday, was well-received by critics. The album was considered a farewell gift to his fans as it was released just two days before his death, with lyrics hinting at his impending mortality.

David Bowie's Death

David Bowie passed away two days after the release of Blackstar. It was revealed that he had planned the album as his swan song, with most of the lyrics reflecting his acceptance of his own mortality.

Release of No Plan EP

On what would have been Bowie's 70th birthday, the EP 'No Plan' was released, featuring songs recorded during the Blackstar sessions. The EP also included a music video for the title track.

David Bowie's Grammy Wins

At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, David Bowie posthumously won five awards, marking his first Grammy wins in musical categories. The awards recognized his contributions to rock music and album production.

Unveiling of Bowie statue in Aylesbury

On March 25, 2018, a statue of David Bowie was unveiled in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, featuring various characters and looks from his career, with Ziggy Stardust at the forefront.

Release of 'The Man Who Sold the World' Version

A previously unreleased version of 'The Man Who Sold the World' was released on what would have been Bowie's 73rd birthday. This release was part of the ongoing posthumous tributes to the legendary artist.

Release of ChangesNowBowie Album

The album 'ChangesNowBowie' was released in November 2020 for Record Store Day, featuring a collection of Bowie's live performances. The release was part of the continued celebration of Bowie's musical legacy.

Distribution Deal with Warner Music Group

Bowie's estate signed a distribution deal with Warner Music Group, starting in 2023, to release his recordings from 2000 to 2016. This deal ensured that Bowie's music would continue to reach audiences in the future.

Sale of Bowie's Publishing Catalogue

Bowie's estate sold his publishing catalogue to Warner Chappell Music for a substantial amount, solidifying the value and impact of Bowie's musical legacy. The sale highlighted the enduring popularity of Bowie's work.

David Bowie's 75th Birthday

A timeline of the ever-changing life of David Bowie, highlighting his revolutionary daring as an artist and his constant reinvention of image and sound. The article reflects on Bowie's impact on mainstream culture and his ability to inspire others to be daring in their own ways.

End of the Timeline
David Bowie

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