David Bowie, otherwise known as Ziggy Stardust, was one of those artists with an unforgettable style and unmistakable voice. Once he emerged in the UK in the 1960s, he became one of the most popular musicians for more than four decades with more than 30 albums.
Bowie’s first release, “Space Oddity,” was an instant hit and was on the top five of the UK singles chart in 1969. He eventually transcended UK fame and hit the U.S. charts in 1975 with his number-one hit single “Fame.” Other famous songs include “Under Pressure” with Queen’s Freddie Mercury, “Heroes” and “Starman.”
After the release of Bowie’s latest song “Lazarus” for the 2016 album “Blackstar,” fans knew he had released something special, but little did they know what would be so special about it. A few days after the music video for “Lazarus” was released, Bowie died at age 69 after a reported 18-month battle with cancer.
With his passing, it is easy to see that Bowie knew his time was coming to an end in his latest release, as the first verse states, “Look up here, I’m in heaven. I’ve got scars that can’t be seen. I’ve got drama, can’t be stolen. Everybody knows me now.” The proceeding lyrics describe his rise to fame and his eventual fall, and then death, which he explains makes him free ― as though his job in the music industry is complete.
In honor of Bowie’s numerous musical and entertaining contributions to the U.S. and the UK, we created a timeline of major moments in Bowie’s career. From us still here at ground control, we’ll miss your whimsical and eclectic ways, Major Tom.
- Jan. 8, 1947—Bowie, whose formal name is David Robert Hayward-Jones, was born in Brixton in London
- Nov. 4, 1969—“Space Oddity” was released in the UK
- June 20-June 24, 1971—Bowie performed at Glastonbury Festival
- 1972—Bowie created his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust at a concert in the UK, contributing his own sense of sexual ambiguity and androgyny to sexuality ideologies of the 60s and 70s
- March 7, 1975—“Young Americans,” Bowie’s first U.S. album, was released by RCA Records. The album included his number-one hit “Fame,” which John Lennon collaborated with him on
- May 1976—Bowie starred in his first film, “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” in which he is an alien who comes to Earth on a mission to save his home planet
- Oct. 14, 1977—Bowie released “Heroes,” the second of three albums of the “Berlin Trilogy” with Brian Eno
- 1986—Bowie starred in the Jim Henson film “Labyrinth” and wrote five songs for the movie
- 1996—Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- 1997—Bowie has his star placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Oct. 2001— Bowie was the opening performer at the Concert for New York City, a tribute concert to the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, at Madison Square Garden
- Feb. 2006—Bowie received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Jan. 8, 2016—Bowie released his 25th studio album, “Blackstar,” featuring the song “Lazarus.”
- Jan. 10, 2016—Bowie died of cancer at age 69
