W INTER 2016
P AGE 7
David Bowie’s Iconic Departure
Revolutionary rock artist was creative until the end
Alicia Hammill
Staff Writer
On January 10, the world lost one of
its most popular and unique music
personalities. The tragic death of
David Bowie brought about a new
wave – a wave of appreciation for the
art he created through his constantly
evolving music and guises. Though his
heart may have stopped beating, his
influence on popular music will always
be remembered.
As his career took flight, the English
composer, singer, musician and band
leader shocked the music industry. His
sound was distinctive, mesmerizing
and new. It helped revolutionize a
world predominantly ruled by introverted singer songwriters, protest
songs and psychedelic rock. His stage
personas, including Ziggy Zardust,
Alladin Sane, the Thin White Duke
and Major Tom were unique and
fantastic, commanding attention from
all angles, and copied by many. His
androgynous outfits and captivating
characters were a stark contrast to the
music of the laid-back sixties. His first
and biggest hit, “Space Oddity (1969)”
sent his name to the top of the charts,
forcing his groundbreaking music into
the heads of anyone listening to the
radio. Continuing with hits like
"Changes," "Rebel Rebel," "Heroes,"
"Young Americans" and "Modern
Love" to name a few, he set new
standards for popular music that will
hold fast for a very long time. While
cancer may have taken his physical
body, his memory and music are things
that cancer can't steal.
His influence is one of the longest
lasting movements in mode