David Bowie: His Legacy Will Endure Forever

David Bowie (1947-2016) passed away two days after his 69th birthday and two days after his highly anticipated final studio album ‘Backstar’ was released.  

It’s been a gut-wrenching 2016 for the music industry to say the least. Things started off sadly on New Year’s Day as we learned that the iconic Natalie Cole had passed away on New Year’s Eve. On January 5^th, R&B singer Nick Caldwell (The Whispers) passed, as well as Classical composer/conductor Pierre Boulez. Then on Monday, January 11 came the shocker – the death of iconic, visionary rock singer/songwriter David Bowie (1947 – 2016). Folks, personally it wasn’t fun on a snow day flipping on the TV that morning to hear that the recently turned 69-year old legend was gone.

“Lazarus” is Significant

David Bowie managed to keep his condition (cancer) secret. He’d been battling the devastating disease for 18 months. He left the world one final album, Blackstar. Blackstar is undoubtedly his most unique work in years. Most chilling is “Lazarus,” which takes on an eerier meaning given Bowie’s death. “Lazarus” makes reference to death itself. Furthermore, it finds Bowie referencing accomplishments throughout his life and career.  The accompanying music video further amplifies the enigma.

Blackstar

Interestingly, Saturday, January 9, I finished the review of Bowie’s Blackstar for publication Monday. Waking up Monday and hearing the news, edits were required. Not the content of the review, but the fact that the music icon was dead.  Blackstar shows the brilliant caliber of musician Bowie was. Even past his prime he recorded an album showcasing more ambition than most half his age. Furthermore, though deceased, his music and legacy will endure forever.

Photo Credit: Columbia