“Rebel rebel, you’ve torn your dress
Rebel rebel, your face is a mess
Rebel rebel, how could they know?
Hot tramp, I love you so!”
It’s safe to say music has had some impact on all of us. Whether it’s shown through tattoos or attending concerts, or even just having a favorite song, we all love music. My favorite song in the world is “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie, followed closely by “Space Oddity”, also by Bowie. To be completely honest, Bowie is my favorite musician. His music is imaginative and vivid, and every song is unique. Regardless of whether or not you’ve heard of him, you’ve likely heard either a song by him or something inspired by his work.
Born on January 8th of 1947 in London, David Robert Jones was destined to be a star. Jones knew from an early age that he wanted to be a musician– his passion started young. Despite this passion, his voice was declared “average” by his elementary school choir directors, and slightly above average at the recorder. However, young Jones didn’t let that stop him– in newly introduced dance classes, he was described as “visually imaginative” and his skills as “astounding.” Jones then took up ukulele and chess bass, and later the piano. Despite several unsuccessful singles, in 1969 Jones released his first top 5 entry on UK singles– “Space Oddity,” and his public persona, David Bowie, was born. During 1972, also known as the era of glam rock, Bowie created his other alter ego, the androgynous Ziggy Stardust. His first song with this ego was “Starman” from the “Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” Bowie went on to release several hits, both in America and the UK; for example, “Ashes to Ashes”, “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)”, and “Under Pressure”. Bowie also had a considerable acting career, first featured in a short black-and-white feature called The Image. He later starred in hits such as Labyrinth and The Elephant Man.
In spite of (or caused by) his success, Bowie developed both a severe alcohol and drug addiction, for which he went to rehab. He also struggled with his mental health, in part caused by cocaine, which has severe effects on mental stability. He unfortunately died of liver cancer on January 10th, 2016, just two days after his 69th birthday. Bowie had an incredible impact on the world of rock. His creation of Ziggy Stardust made shockwaves in live performances and launched the world into glam rock. His songs are beautiful, well-played, and he became an icon in many spheres. Take the time to check out his music (especially the song “Rebel Rebel”) and listen to the incredible music that helped to shape modern rock — and so much more.
