Mini Bio
David Robert Hayward-Jones was born in Brixton, London, England. He changed his name to David Bowie in the 1960's because of the conflict of names with, then greater known, Davy Jones of the Monkees.
The 60's were not a happy period for Bowie, who remained a struggling artist awaiting his breakthrough. He dabbled in many different styles of music (without commercial success), and other art forms such as acting, mime, painting, and playwriting. He finally achieved his commercial breakthrough in 1969 with the song Space Oddity, which was released at the time of the moon landing. Despite the fact that the literal meaning of the lyrics relates to an astronaut who is lost in space, this song was used by the BBC in their coverage of the moon landing, and this helped it become such a success. The album which followed Space Oddity and the two which followed failed to produce another hit single, and Bowie's career appeared to be in decline.
However, he made the first of many successful `comebacks' in 1972 with Ziggy Stardust, a concept album about a space-age rock star. This album was followed by others in a similar vein, rock albums built around a central character and concerned with futuristic themes of Armageddon, gender dysfunction/confusion, as well as more contemporary themes such as the destructiveness of success and fame, and the dangers inherent in star worship. In the mid `70's, Bowie was a heavy cocaine abuser and sometime heroin user. In 1975, he changed tack. Musically, he released Young Americans, a soul (pr plastic soul as he later referred to it) album. This produced his first number one hit in the US, Fame (written with John Lennon!). He also appeared in his first major film, The Man Who Fell To Earth. With his different-colored eyes and skeletal frame, he certainly looked the part of an alien. The following year, he released Station to Station, containing some of the material he had written for the soundtrack to this film (which was not used). As his drug problem heightened, his behaviour became more erratic. Reports of his insanity started to appear, and he continued to waste away physically. He fled back to Europe, finally settling in Berlin, where he changed musical direction again and recorded three of the most influential albums of all time, an electronic trilogy with Brian Eno Low, Heroes and Lodger. Towards the end of the 70's, he finally kicked his drug habit, and recorded the album many of his fans consider his best, the Japanese-influenced Scary Monsters, in 1980. Around this time, he played the Elephant Man in Broadway, to considerable acclaim. Etc..etc...more success..married super-model Iman...is still hot...just released a new album, "Hours".
Facts and Stats
Quotes
"Any list of advice I have to offer to a muscian always ends with, 'If it itches, go and see a doctor.'" [on getting an honary degree from Boston's Berklee College of Music]
"I'm an instant star; just add water."
Stars
David Bowie was born on January 8, 1947. He is a Capricorn/Dog.
Traits of the Capricorn/Dog:
resolve ¤ wisdom ¤ ambition ¤ generosity ¤ superiority ¤ dependability ¤ stiffness ¤ clumsiness ¤ pretension ¤ loneliness ¤ epicureanism ¤ self-doubt ¤ constancy ¤ unsociability ¤ respectability ¤ self-righteousness ¤ intelligence ¤ tastelessness ¤ uneasiness ¤ criticism ¤ duty ¤ cynicism ¤ heroism ¤ morality
Professions that appeal to a Capricorn/Dog: playwright, monk (snort!), missionary, adventurer, hermit, carpenter, mason, teacher, professional student, coupon clipper (what the HELL?), sailor (that's more like it!).
He is most compatible with: Taurus, Leo, Virgo and Pisces/Horses. Also Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, and Pisces/Cats; and Leo, Virgo, Scorpio and Pisces/Tigers.
However, he should stay clear of: Cancer and Aries/Roosters. Also Aries, Cancer and Libra/Goats; Cancer and Libra/Dragons; and, Cancer/Monkeys.
