Here's how David Bowie influenced big names in the music industry
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Molly Driscoll Staff writer
In the wake of the death of musician David Bowie, many have noted his deep impact on popular music. A musical chameleon, Bowie showed a remarkable ability to perceive and shape musical trends, and helped to change the course of pop – including introducing the world to glam rock.
Mr. Bowie influenced many other artists who came after. Icons including Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Kanye West have shared how the artist inspired them with his willingness to incorporate various musical genres into his music and performance.
Bowie died on Jan. 10 after a legendary life in music. He had released a new album, “Blackstar,” earlier this month.
Some of his best-known works include 1970’s “The Man Who Sold the World,” 1972’s “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” 1975’s “Young Americans,” and 1983’s “Let’s Dance.”
Bowie also made it cool to be different. This was brought up by singer Madonna in her tribute to the artist.
“I never felt like I fit in growing up in Michigan,” she wrote. “Like an oddball or a freak ... his music was always inspiring but seeing him live set me off on a journey that for me I hope will never end.”
Bowie was known for his elaborate costumes and many personas, including Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke. Lady Gaga, also known for her detailed costumes and stage shows, discussed Bowie in an interview that took place some time before the musician’s death.
“When I fell in love with David Bowie, when I was living on the Lower East Side, I always felt that his glamour was something he was using to express a message to people that was very healing for their souls,” she said in an interview.
Bowie’s experimentation with various personas and music styles was one of his most defining traits – his newest album featured a jazz quartet – and rapper Kanye West noted this in his own message about Bowie’s death.
A concert at Carnegie Hall that was to be a tribute to Bowie had been planned for March before the artist’s death and it will reportedly still go on. Artists including The Roots and Cyndi Lauper are scheduled to take part.
