Like many today, I am deeply saddened by the death of David Bowie at the age of 69. He died in New York early this morning after an 18 month battle with cancer, surrounded by family and friends.
I discovered David Bowie when I was a freshman in high school and Let’s Dance was released in 1983. (Anyone else remember Friday Night Videos? Before cable was a mainstream thing and everyone had MTV?) I loved Let’s Dance so much that I used my babysitting money to buy as many of his albums as I could, including a personal favorite duet with Queen’s Freddie Mercury Under Pressure, which remains one of my favorite songs of all time.
He pushed gender boundaries and taught me acceptance and passion for those different from me while growing up in my predominately white, heterosexual (no one was out in the 80’s where I lived) mid-western town.
Thank you David Bowie for leading the way and not giving a shit what others perceived as different. You will truly, truly be missed. A special thank you for Blackstar. I can’t believe you are gone.
Definitely a very sad day. My son and I listened to lots of David Bowie’s music on Spotify yesterday. Discovered Blackstar…the wonderful gift he left us. He will be missed, but his beautiful music will live on forever.
Yes, I remember Friday Night Videos and The Midnight Special.
ReplyI bought Blackstar (just the single, not the album) on the 8th and then the album when news hit he died. I have to admit I can’t listen to it yet. It’s far too morose for right now, but so, so appreciated as his gift to fans. I’ve got his oldies on right now and yesterday I introduced my daughter to his stuff and she loves it! Cool World is her favorite. I forgot how cool that one is! Stupid movie, awesome theme.
Also, yesterday I spent 4 hours STRAIGHT watching his videos and interviews. Gah! So emotional.
It still doesn’t seem real.
Old lady fist-bump for the Friday Night Videos reference Lisa!!
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