As I have a tendency to do, I was thinking about music over the weekend. My thoughts drifted to how lucky I was to be born during a great musical period. I have grown up and grown old with some amazing musical giants. From The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Genesis, Pink Floyd, and so many others, I have listened and learned from these greats. My life has been shaped by many of their lives and works.
This morning I was sad to learn that another musical genius has died. David Bowie was a musical and cultural force for decades. A person who not only risked life outside the box, but created safe environments for many who did not feel included in the culture and philosophy of the masses.
Whether you liked his music and collaborations with others or not, it is hard to overlook the impact he had; not only on the music scene, but also the lives of many listeners that were encouraged to be creative, passionate and true to who they are as a person. He helped us all understand that the very difference that make us strong as individuals, actually contributes to creating a healthy nation.
Thank you David for all you have done. I will never forget.
Devastating
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Well said. An amazing life and his list of accomplishments are impressive.
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Absolutely ♡
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Thank you for this! I really appreciate how he stretched the borders, and you’re right, he encouraged people to be true to who they are.
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You are very welcome. Stretching those borders would have crushed most of us. He showed many of us how to survive and even grow stronger. That is no easy trick!
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Yes! You are exactly right. Peace.
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Oh, how well you have stated it twice–when you say that Bowie “created safe environments for many who did not feel included in the culture and philosophy of the masses” and about how stretching the borders would had crushed a lot of us who wanted–indeed, needed–to be true to ourselves. He kept me from being crushed and if I can have that kind of positive influence on even one person in this mad world, my gratitude would be boundless.
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That is my life philosophy in a nutshell! I refer to music as my life boat growing up. If it had not been for Bowie and those like him, I am not sure I would be here to write this. I also felt strength given to me that kept me from being crushed. David Bowie provided that strength in many ways. I did not know everything about his career, but I think I ‘knew’ the man. Thanks again, great comments!
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So sad. I didn’t know. Didn’t know
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He had been struggling with cancer for over a year. Hardly anyone knew or mentioned it.
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Shows what a ‘Great’ person he really was. No need to air his struggles in public. May he rest in peace ❤️
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Good point. Not looking for sympathy, keeping the eye on the music. Impressive.
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Wow, wasn’t it just his birthday? Very sad.
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Friday January 8th was his birthday 😦
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F Cancer. This isn’t my blog, so I won’t spell it out.
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Ha! Understood. With so many of my relatives and friends battling this I am tempted to spell it out! Thank you. My sentiments EXACTLY.
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A sad day indeed!
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It is difficult to see the end of an era. Thank you.
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Very sad indeed.
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I know. No one will live forever, but I am glad he shared his life with us while he was here.
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He gets to permanently visit Major Thomm now…his legacy will live on. I strongly recommend Labyrinth to you all. It always felt like to me that the kat never, ever cared what anyone thought; he made non existent any boundary of music his whole entire life. BRAVO Sir, to a life well lived!!
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Indeed. Still looking down at us! My kids grew up quoting Labyrinth all the time…. Not Fair? I wonder what you use as a basis for comparison!
I agree, maybe he cared what people thought but he did not let it slow him down or push him off his path. Thanks.
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Indeed!
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David stayed long enough to make the world a better place. He lives on inside each of us. Now we must carry on…
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Much appreciated and very true. Thank you for the comment.
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Yes, he definitely made a difference in the world of music. So sad to hear of his passing.
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So many people follow the safe path…. do what others have done and don’t rock the boat. I am glad there are those that choose their own path and speak up if there is need. That alone puts him up there in my book.
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Very true!
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Oh yes, for sure! Love him for standing out not to mention all the beautiful music!
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I got to admit it was his music that got me hooked! The other stuff was a big bonus.
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Not sure if I should be apologetic or not, but I cannot remember where or when I heard Elvis died. I will never forget though when I heard that John Lennon was murdered. Equally so Bowie. This morning checking Instagram before any thing else and there I saw a post from friend of mine breaking the news-to me at least. Been glued to the radio all day. What a shock.
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In some ways – right or wrong – you can think that Elvis came about his end by his own device(s). A crazy gun-wielding jealous fan or the destruction of cancer are another matter. I also remember hearing of John Lennon, (John Kennedy, MLK, Bobbie Kennedy and others) because of the shock associated. I am glad so many people are remembering Bowie and diving deeper into his works.
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Eloquently stated. I’m grieving by blasting his music at work.
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Perfect! Take that! LOL Thank you.
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Major suckitude … see ya later, Major Thom. 😦
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Understood! He just has a better view of is now LOL!
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Thank Mike. I didn’t know until scanning over my emails, seeing yours, clicked to find this news. David Bowie was a huge part of my teenage years. The news took me by surprised. Sadden to hear he had cancer. He is a class act no man or woman can follow. Only comfort in the read, I read it on your page. Kind of like, “Where were you when JFK was shot?” Finding out here, seems right. Musician breaking the news to my heart about a beloved Musician. Thank you Mike. Lovely tribute. Rocket man forever:)
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I hate to be the bearer of bad news but rather it come from someone who understands rather than someone looking for ratings! A major impact on my life and I did force that a bit on my kids, but I truly believe they are better off for it. We share that appreciation of a great creator and performer. Rocket Man forever!
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Mike, as I put the morning “wake up” coffee on, music started running through my head. “Ground control to Major Tom…Ground control to Major Tom:)” Yes, I think “Rocket Man” was Elton John, but I don’t think Elton will be upset with me for confusing the two. Both “Stars” in my book!! Yes, my junior in HS doesn’t quite understand why his “peers” especially living in southern Oklahoma, are not familiar with our meat and potatoes, need to hear to understand life and rock music! He has grown up listening to John Foggerty, Bob Sieger, Momma has to through in some Journey, and the boy’s all time favorite “American Pie”! We think it has helped mold him into a young man who understands good music and is able to choose for himself not to follow the crowd. Proud he knows an “eagle” from the “Eagles!” and to stay out of Hotel California…where his parents probably stayed to long!! Oh, one the blessings of a child who has “older” parents! Lol Always good to go back and forth with you Mike:) blessings, denise
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Understood! No harm in using one genius to describe another. The lesson not to follow the crowd and choose your own path is a major accomplishment! Many people are still working on that one LOL. The world offers endless possibilities and it was great to have a successful champion to show us it can be done. Thank you so much.
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Totally agreed. Cheers, HC
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Thank you.
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Touching tribute 🙏
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Thank you. There is the music and then there is the man. From the little I know he was great at both!
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The most amazing thing about David Bowie (that IMO nobody else could ever touch) is the fact that he jumped between so many musical genres and places and atmospheres, but always made it so deeply his own. His personality shines in every record he’s ever made, whether its a good record or a bad record. Hey ho, sorry for rambling, but we all feel the loss ; )
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I agree completely. You c an see this in the people he collaborated with – from Bing Crosby to Queen! Once interested in a genre he commanded it until it became his own. That was his particular blend of genius! I appreciate the rambling and it will be a long time before anyone else is able to fill his shoes!
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Well said! Thanks for writing this, as I’m still a bit speechless. I love David Bowie and his music (although I didn’t know him personally). But like any artist I think there personality comes out in their art. I might still only be in my 20s, but I fell in love with his music and have every album he ever recorded. I remember watching some of his live performances on VH1 Classics. What a stage presents! (And lets not forget about the cult classic, Labyrinth…I love that movie – haha). He will forever be a legend and inspiration…at least to me.
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Thank you. I cannot begin to tell you the impact he had on my family. the kids grew up watching Labyrinth and we quote lines from the movie to this day. I could not agree more and have frankly been impressed at all the positive comments not just from fans but from people like us that have been motivated and inspired by him to be who we are and be the best we can be. Ahhhhh…. to still be in your 20’s LOL!
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Last night I streamed his music for hours. Took me right back to the scenes in my mind of so many good times. Why do we not celebrate our favourite artists until they’re gone?
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I also have immersed myself in his works since I heard the news of his death, now knowing it was cancer makes it more powerful.
I think it comes down to ‘you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone’. We think our heroes (and parents) will live forever, so there is always tomorrow. Only, there isn’t! Listen to one more tune for me, will you?
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David Bowie was the singular force in this world that led me into allowing myself to be me. A sincere genius under all the surface changes.
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I also appreciate the force he generated that helped so many people take brave steps outside their comfort level. Great comment about the genius under the surface changes. Well said. Thank you very much and I am glad you ‘applied’ the force to be yourself!
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R.I.P. David…
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An amazing performer and artist.
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I grew up with him too Mike. I have the song ‘Under Pressure’ playing through my head as I write this. He was truly an original.
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I understand. And the cool thing about his music is the fact that he had so many gems, and though they may not have gotten the air play other songs enjoyed, there are many great songs and styles to choose from. Hard to imagine a musical landscape with out his creative and innovative works. Let alone the guy was just a cool dude! Thank you again.
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Oh I agree, so many songs and styles! He grew with his music. Elton John is of the same caliber to me in that way.
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A part of my childhood died with him, he was the father of all of us misfits. ❤
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Tragic but understood. It would be hard for me to think of life without his influences on so many levels. I am old, so he was more of a brother or uncle LOL!!! Thank you and here is to a great a prosperous adulthood.
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I guess the same part of me that died is simultaneously resurrected, lol. He was a true artist! Cheers to being a grown up aaaand a child!!! 😉 Have a great weekend!
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Vale Starman ❤
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Yes, the stars do look a different way today. David and Ziggy you will be missed for decades.
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They just don’t make them like they used to and when we loose one of those stars….. it will be a long time before another one as bright forms.
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Perfect tribute to an incredible talent!
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Thank you. He was pretty amazing.
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