Through the decades, we always come across various performers that ultimately become icons in their own right. These icons definitely have a lot of influence on our society and even pave the way to various styles and attitudes for the generations. I am not an expert but I am no stranger to the music produced by David Bowie. His style and music was definitely a part of my music experience throughout the years.
He definitely had a distinctive style in every song he created. I would hear a song and knew it was him because of his very noticeable English accent and almost futuristic sound as he sang. I can recall the days when he seemed to have a science fictional style of appearance. Back in those days, the look seemed cool and, to a kid, could seem like superpower-wielding. Let me remind you, these were the days of Star Wars and Star Trek. I must say, a lot of the music back then didn’t really make sense to me as a kid but then again I was probably too young to really understand music.
Now, as I go back and hear David Bowie’s songs and the tales they tell, I come to realize just how a musical genius he was and the talent he happily shared with his audience. Notably, his musical style was definitely way before its time and could possibly be the reason why there was no other like him. He was like a space-age rockstar, armed with his electric guitar and melody. His song’s lyrical meaning would be so enticing as you listened and while you sank into the song’s matching and captivating beats. The audience could do nothing but be mesmerized by his performance.
In his career, he went through an appearance change as he also went through his own musical venture and development. It had seemed that he sought to please the public stage and find a character to the changing waves of time. His alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, would be saved in his past works. In such a case, not only was he a spectacular musician but his fashion and flair was very distinguishable as well. Those days, styles---like many other industries did and still do---changed. He was one that could adjust to change and thus further presented just how talented he was.
With his futuristic sound, his range of musical diversity was further directed within other genres like, art rock, glam rock, pop rock, electronic and experimental rock. Other ventures in different genres include soul, funk, and new romantic music. Throughout his career, he has worked with other musical greats like---an all-time great blues musician of mines---Stevie Ray Vaughan (“Let’s Dance”), Mick Jagger (“Dancing in the Street”), and Queen (“Under Pressure”). That's just a few to mention.
We notice the influences of these genres in today’s music and come to understand just how these genres contribute a lot to style and distinction. These genres touched on avant-garde, classical, and glam. The fashion consisted of very flamboyant clothing or costumes, makeup, and hairstyles. We get a mixture of fashion and music. We definitely get traces of this with today’s artists like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Nicki Minaj. It is with utmost acknowledgment, that David Bowie was definitely a very huge contributing icon to these times.
In present day, David Bowie carries a very stylish appearance and still proves to show that his music is before its time. With the release of his last studio album, Blackstar---two days before his passing, it has already gained worldwide success. His music and style will forever be remembered. His persona and influence in the music industry will forever live on."Lazarus" of his Blackstar album. Rest In Peace David Bowie.
