Genre and gender-bending artist David Bowie has passed away after an 18-month battle with cancer at the age of 69.
“David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family,” a post on his Facebook page reads.
According to The New York Times:
The multitalented artist’s last album, “Blackstar,” a collaboration with a jazz quintet that was typically enigmatic and exploratory, was released on Friday — his birthday. He was to be honored with a concert at Carnegie Hall on March 31 featuring the Roots, Cyndi Lauper and the Mountain Goats.
Bowie, born David Jones on January 8, 1947 in South London, was a game-changer in his approach to music and fashion. He was sexually provocative, experimental and a misfit, with a sound rooted in the American Soul he loved.
“Changes” was Bowie’s definitive hit, a sign of the times anthem from 1971’s Hunky Dory album. Altogether Bowie released 26 studio albums, nine live albums, 46 compilation albums, five extended plays (EPs), 111 singles (including 5 UK number one singles) and three soundtracks. He also released 13 video albums and 51 music videos.
Hip Hop’s greatest stars sampled Bowie throughout the years, including Puff Daddy (“Been Around The World” took from “Let’s Dance”) and JAY Z (“Takeover” took from “Fame”). His 1986 movie Labyrinth is a cult classic.
Bowie is survived by wife Iman and children Duncan Jones and Alexandria Jones.
