David Bowie Timeline

(January 8, 1947 – January 10, 2016)

David Bowie (1947–2016) was an English singer, songwriter, and actor whose innovative reinventions of persona and sound made him one of the most influential figures in popular music. From glam rock's Ziggy Stardust to electronic experimentation and beyond, Bowie shaped five decades of music, fashion, and art. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Early Life and Beginnings

David Bowie is born in Brixton, London

Jan 8, 1947

David Robert Jones was born on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, South London. He grew up in Bromley, showing an early interest in music and art that would shape his future career as one of the most influential figures in popular music.

Image source: David Bowie

Bowie forms his first band, the Konrads

1962

As a teenager, Bowie formed his first band, the Konrads, playing saxophone and guitar. This marked the beginning of his journey through several early groups, including the King Bees, the Manish Boys, and the Lower Third.

Releases debut single 'Liza Jane'

Jun 5, 1964

Under the name Davie Jones with the King Bees, Bowie released his first single, 'Liza Jane.' The record failed to chart, but it represented his first step into professional recording.

Image source: David Bowie

Adopts the stage name David Bowie

1966

To avoid confusion with Davy Jones of the Monkees, he adopted the stage name David Bowie, inspired by Jim Bowie and his famous knife. The name became synonymous with reinvention and artistic transformation.

Releases self-titled debut album 'David Bowie'

Jun 1, 1967

Bowie released his eponymous debut album, a baroque pop record influenced by Anthony Newley. Though commercially unsuccessful at the time, it showcased his songwriting ambitions and theatrical sensibilities.

Image source: David Bowie (1967 album)

Marries Angie Barnett

Mar 19, 1970

Bowie married Mary Angela Barnett, who became an influential figure in his early career and image-making. They had son Duncan Jones in 1971 before divorcing in 1980.

Image source: Angie Bowie

Musical Evolution

Breakthrough single 'Space Oddity' released

Jul 11, 1969

'Space Oddity,' timed to coincide with the Apollo 11 moon landing, became Bowie's first hit, reaching the UK top five. The story of Major Tom established his fascination with space, alienation, and character-driven storytelling.

Image source: Space Oddity

Breakthrough single 'Space Oddity' released

Releases 'Hunky Dory' album

Dec 17, 1971

'Hunky Dory' featured classics like 'Changes,' 'Life on Mars?,' and 'Oh! You Pretty Things.' Widely regarded as one of his finest albums, it displayed his gift for melody and vivid lyrical imagery.

Image source: Hunky Dory

Debuts Ziggy Stardust persona

Feb 10, 1972

Bowie unveiled his iconic Ziggy Stardust persona, an androgynous alien rock star, during a performance at the Toby Jug pub in Tolworth. The character revolutionized glam rock and made Bowie a global superstar.

Image source: Ziggy Stardust (character)

David Bowie released his landmark Ziggy Stardust album

Jun 16, 1972

This concept album told the story of Bowie's alien alter ego and included hits like 'Starman' and 'Suffragette City.' It is consistently ranked among the greatest albums of all time.

Image source: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

David Bowie released his landmark Ziggy Stardust album

Retires Ziggy Stardust at final Spiders concert

Jul 3, 1973

At London's Hammersmith Odeon, Bowie shocked fans by announcing the retirement of Ziggy Stardust and the breakup of the Spiders from Mars, demonstrating his pattern of dramatic reinvention.

Image source: Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (film)

Releases 'Diamond Dogs' and launches Diamond Dogs Tour

May 24, 1974

Inspired by Orwell's '1984,' 'Diamond Dogs' produced the hit 'Rebel Rebel.' The elaborate theatrical tour was documented on the live album 'David Live.'

Image source: Diamond Dogs

Adopts the Thin White Duke persona and releases 'Young Americans'

Mar 7, 1975

Recorded largely in Philadelphia, 'Young Americans' embraced soul and R&B, yielding Bowie's first US number one single, 'Fame,' co-written with John Lennon. The era introduced his cold, cabaret-styled Thin White Duke persona.

Image source: Young Americans

Releases Berlin-era album 'Low'

Jan 14, 1977

Moving to West Berlin to escape drug addiction and fame, Bowie collaborated with Brian Eno on 'Low,' an experimental blend of art rock and ambient electronics that profoundly influenced post-punk and electronic music.

Image source: Low (David Bowie album)

Releases Berlin albums "Heroes" and 'Lodger'

Oct 14, 1977 - 1979

Completing the so-called Berlin Trilogy, Bowie released '"Heroes"' in 1977, featuring the anthemic title track, and 'Lodger' in 1979, closing a creatively fertile period shaped by collaboration with Eno and life in divided Berlin.

Releases 'Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)'

Sep 12, 1980

Featuring 'Ashes to Ashes,' which revisited Major Tom, this album bridged his experimental and commercial phases and topped the UK charts.

Image source: Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)

Releases 'Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)'

Achieves global success with 'Let's Dance'

Apr 14, 1983

Produced by Nile Rodgers, 'Let's Dance' became Bowie's best-selling album, with hits like the title track and 'Modern Love.' The Serious Moonlight Tour played to massive audiences worldwide.

Image source: Let's Dance (David Bowie album)

Forms hard rock band Tin Machine

1988 - 1992

Seeking creative renewal, Bowie formed Tin Machine with Reeves Gabrels and the Sales brothers. Though commercially mixed, the band helped him rediscover collaborative energy away from solo stardom.

Image source: Tin Machine

Embraces electronica with albums 'Outside' and 'Earthling'

Sep 26, 1995 - 1997

Reuniting with Brian Eno on 'Outside' and exploring drum and bass on 'Earthling,' Bowie engaged with 1990s electronic culture, touring with Nine Inch Nails and influencing industrial and electronic artists.

Image source: Outside (David Bowie album)

Embraces electronica with albums 'Outside' and 'Earthling'

Acting and Collaborations

Stars as Thomas Jerome Newton in 'The Man Who Fell to Earth'

Mar 18, 1976

Bowie starred in Nicolas Roeg's cult science fiction film as an alien stranded on Earth. His acclaimed performance cemented his credibility as a screen actor.

Image source: The Man Who Fell to Earth

Stars as Thomas Jerome Newton in 'The Man Who Fell to Earth'

Stars in Broadway production 'The Elephant Man'

Sep 28, 1980 - Jan 3, 1981

Bowie earned critical acclaim playing Joseph Merrick in the Broadway production of 'The Elephant Man,' showcasing his dramatic range without heavy makeup or prosthetics.

Image source: The Elephant Man (play)

Collaborates with Queen on 'Under Pressure'

Oct 26, 1981

Bowie joined Queen for 'Under Pressure,' a chart-topping duet featuring his improvised vocal contributions. It remains one of the most celebrated collaborations in rock history.

Image source: Under Pressure

Stars in 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence'

May 28, 1983

Bowie portrayed Major Jack Celliers in Nagisa Oshima's POW drama, delivering one of his most praised acting performances opposite Ryuichi Sakamoto and Tom Conti.

Image source: Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

Performs at Live Aid benefit concert

Jul 13, 1985

At Wembley Stadium, Bowie delivered a widely praised set at Live Aid, helping raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief before introducing a video about the crisis.

Image source: Live Aid

Stars in 'The Prestige' and receives Kennedy Center Honors

Oct 20, 2006 - Dec 9, 2006

Bowie portrayed inventor Nikola Tesla in Christopher Nolan's 'The Prestige.' That same year, he received the Kennedy Center Honors recognizing his lifetime contribution to American culture through the arts.

Image source: The Prestige

Later Career and Legacy

Marries supermodel Iman

Apr 24, 1992

Bowie married Somali-American model Iman in a private ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland. Their marriage lasted until his death and was widely admired for its stability and devotion.

Image source: Iman (model)

Launches BowieNet, pioneering artist internet service

Sep 1, 1998

Bowie launched BowieNet, one of the first artist-branded internet service providers, demonstrating his early embrace of digital technology and direct fan engagement.

Image source: BowieNet

Returns from decade-long hiatus with 'The Next Day'

Mar 8, 2013

After ten years of silence following heart surgery, Bowie surprised the world with 'The Next Day,' recorded in secrecy in New York. The album debuted at number one in multiple countries.

Image source: The Next Day

Releases farewell album 'Blackstar' on his 69th birthday

Jan 8, 2016

Released just two days before his death, 'Blackstar' was a haunting jazz-influenced meditation on mortality, created while Bowie secretly battled liver cancer. It won five Grammy Awards and topped charts worldwide.

Image source: Blackstar (album)

David Bowie dies in New York City

Jan 10, 2016

Bowie died of liver cancer at age 69, two days after releasing 'Blackstar.' His death prompted an outpouring of tributes globally, cementing his legacy as one of the most innovative and influential artists in modern history.

Image source: Death of David Bowie

Key Facts

David Bowie was born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, England.
He created iconic alter egos such as Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke, pioneering theatrical performance in rock music.
His 1972 album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Bowie achieved his first American number-one hit with 'Fame' in 1975 and later topped charts worldwide with 'Let's Dance' in 1983.
He released his final album 'Blackstar' just two days before dying of liver cancer on January 10, 2016.

Source

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