The Green Wave Gazette Winter 2016 | Page 7

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