Biography for
David Bowie (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

8 January 1947, Brixton, London, England, UK

Birth Name

David Robert Hayward-Jones

Nickname

Thin White Duke
Ziggy Stardust

Height

5' 10" (1.78 m)

Mini Biography

David Bowie is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of pop music. Born David Jones, he changed his name to Bowie in the 1960s, to avoid confusion with the then well-known Davy Jones (lead singer of The Monkees).

The 1960s were not a happy period for Bowie, who remained a struggling artist, awaiting his breakthrough. He dabbled in many different styles of music (without commercial success), and other art forms such as acting, mime, painting, and playwriting. He finally achieved his commercial breakthrough in 1969 with the song "Space Oddity," which was released at the time of the moon landing. Despite the fact that the literal meaning of the lyrics relates to an astronaut who is lost in space, this song was used by the BBC in their coverage of the moon landing, and this helped it become such a success. The album, which followed "Space Oddity," and the two, which followed (one of which included the song "The Man Who Sold The World," covered by Lulu and Nirvana) failed to produce another hit single, and Bowie's career appeared to be in decline. However, he made the first of many successful "comebacks" in 1972 with "Ziggy Stardust," a concept album about a space-age rock star. This album was followed by others in a similar vein, rock albums built around a central character and concerned with futuristic themes of Armageddon, gender dysfunction/confusion, as well as more contemporary themes such as the destructiveness of success and fame, and the dangers inherent in star worship. In the mid 1970s, Bowie was a heavy cocaine abuser and sometime heroin user. In 1975, he changed tack. Musically, he released "Young Americans," a soul (or plastic soul as he later referred to it) album. This produced his first number one hit in the US, "Fame." He also appeared in his first major film, The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976). With his different-colored eyes and skeletal frame, he certainly looked the part of an alien. The following year, he released "Station to Station," containing some of the material he had written for the soundtrack to this film (which was not used). As his drug problem heightened, his behaviour became more erratic. Reports of his insanity started to appear, and he continued to waste away physically. He fled back to Europe, finally settling in Berlin, where he changed musical direction again and recorded three of the most influential albums of all time, an electronic trilogy with Brian Eno "Low, Heroes and Lodger." Towards the end of the 1970s, he finally kicked his drug habit, and recorded the album many of his fans consider his best, the Japanese-influenced "Scary Monsters." Around this time, he played the Elephant Man on Broadway, to considerable acclaim.

The next few years saw something of a drop-off in his musical output as his acting career flourished, culminating in his acclaimed performance in Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (1983). In 1983, he recorded "Let's Dance," an album which proved an unexpected massive commercial success, and produced his second number 1 hit single in the US. The tour which followed, "Serious Moonlight," was his most successful ever. Faced with this success on a massive scale, Bowie apparently attempted to "repeat the formula" in the next two albums, with less success (and to critical scorn). Finally, in the late 1980s, he turned his back on commercial success and his solo career, forming the hard rock band, Tin Machine, who had a deliberate limited appeal. By now, his acting career was in decline. After the comparative failure of Labyrinth (1986), the movie industry appears to have decided that Bowie was not a sufficient name to be a lead actor in a major movie, and since that date, most of his roles have been cameos or glorified cameos. He himself also seems to have lost interest in movie acting. Tin Machine toured extensively and released two albums, with little critical or commercial success.

In 1992, Bowie again changed direction and re-launched his solo career with "Black Tie White Noise," a "wedding" album inspired by his recent marriage to Iman. To date, the 1990s have been kinder to Bowie than the late 1980s. He has released three albums to considerable critical acclaim and reasonable commercial success. In 1995, he renewed his working relationship with Brian Eno to record "Outside." After an initial hostile reaction from the critics, this album has now taken its place with his classic albums. In a career spanning four decades, Bowie has influenced the course of popular music several times and influenced several generations of musicians. His promotional videos in the 1970s and 80s are regarded as ground-breaking, and as a live concert act, he is regarded as the most theatrical of them all.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Dara O'Kearney

Spouse

Iman	(6 June 1992 - present) 1 child
Angela Bowie	(19 March 1970 - 8 February 1980) (divorced) 1 child

Trade Mark

His constantly changing appearance

His wide ranging Vocals

His one permanently dialated pupil that gives him the appearance of different colored eyes.

Trivia

Unveiled his star on Hollywood "Walk of Fame" [12 February 1997]

His eyes are both blue. However, one pupil is permanently dilated due to a fight, and as a result, one eye looks darker than the other.

In 1968 while he was still a struggling artist, Bowie wrote some English lyrics to a French song titled "Comme d'Habitude" (As Usual). His version, "Even a Fool Learns to Love", never did get recorded. But when the French melody caught the attention of Paul Anka, he reworked the lyrics and the song became "My Way". Of course, when Frank Sinatra recorded "My Way" his way, it turned to gold.

He has one son in 1971 with his then-wife Angela Bowie, originally named Zowie - who later changed it to Joe and who is now known as Duncan Jones.

Daughter, with Iman, Alexandria Zahra Jones born [15 August 2000]

In a magazine interview, he stated that he met his first wife when they were dating the same man.

Has family roots in West Wales

In his composition "Slip Away", on his album "Heathen", he makes cryptic references to "The Uncle Floyd Show" (1974), a program popular in the late 1970s and 80s in the New York City area. Broadcast on a local TV station, it featured two puppets, "Oogie" and "Bones Boy", mentioned in the song, as well as the host, "Uncle" Floyd Vivino.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Contributes "Loving the Alien" to the "Warchild Hope" album. [2003]

His 1972 album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" came 8th in Classic Rock Magazine's list of the 30 greatest concept albums of all time. [March 2003]

Has performed with (on separate occasions) Queen, Mick Jagger, Iggy Pop, Al B. Sure! , Tina Turner, Annie Lennox, Nine Inch Nails and Bing Crosby.

Has in common with actor John Hurt - they have both played The Elephant Man

He is consistently listed as one of the richest British born pop stars in the world. Heat magazine listed his earnings for the year 2001 at over $30 million.

Turned down the role of Max Zorin for the 1985 James Bond film A View to a Kill (1985), citing his lack of enthusiasm for recent Bond villains.

His song "Life on Mars" was covered by Marillion frontman Steve Hogarth and the H Band on the album "Live Spirit: Live Body" (released 2002).

Cites Little Richard as his first musical influence.

He allegedly refused the British honour of C.B.E. (Commander of the order of British Empire) in 2000.

His song "Five Years" was covered by former Marillion singer Fish on his 1993 album "Songs From The Mirror".

In a 1983 interview with Rolling Stone he revealed that his bi-sexuality was really a sham. He claimed he made the story up to create more mystery about himself.

Took the pseudonym "David Bowie" to keep himself from being confused with Davy Jones of The Monkees.

25 June 2004 - Had an emergency angioplasty in Germany while on his current tour. The remainder of the tour was obviously cancelled.

Son: Duncan Haywood Zowie Bowie.

Has recorded with Lou Reed.

He can play basically any kind of instrument, even performing the excellent sax solo at the end of "Heroes." Although a talented rhythm guitarist, the one aspect of music Bowie finds himself lacking in is as a lead guitarist.

He was voted the 39th Greatest Artist in Rock 'n' Roll by Rolling Stone.

Shares a birthday with 3 other Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members: Elvis Presley, The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and legendary promoter Bill Graham. He also shares it with director John McTiernan and actress Ami Dolenz.

Turned down the role of Captain Hook in Hook (1991).

Underwent triple heart bypass surgery following a heart attack. [July 2004]

His son, Duncan (aka Zowie Bowie or Joey), was his best man at his 1992 wedding to Iman.

Son is currently studying at a film school in the UK. [2005]

He was loosely the basis for the film Velvet Goldmine (1998).

Sings a duet with Kasper Eistrup on Kashmirs new album "No Balance Palace"

Is credited as himself in Zoolander (2001). He is the judge of the fashion "walk-off" between Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller.

He was the first major recording artist to release a song only on the Internet.

Mentioned in the song "Life Is a Rock But the Radio Rolled Me" by Reunion.

Son of Margaret Mary Jones.

Winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for British Male Solo Artist in 1984.

Winner of the 1996 Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Gave up his 50 cigarettes a day smoking habit in 2004.

In November 1997, Business Age magazine reported his net worth as being over $900 million, surpassing even that of fellow British musician Paul McCartney, making him Britain's richest rock star. In 1999, Reuters placed his net worth at roughly $917 million. In 2003, the Sunday Express claimed his net worth was still in the $900 million (£510 million) range but that this placed him second to Paul McCartney. However, in 2005 the Sunday Times Rich List pegged his fortunes at roughly $185 million (£100 million).

Plays 14 different instruments.

Played Serbian/American scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla in The Prestige (2006).

He was originally supposed to play Max Zorin in A View to a Kill (1985), but the part went to Christopher Walken instead. Many years later he admitted, "It was simply a terrible script and I saw little reason for spending so long on something that bad, that workmanlike. And I told them so. I don't think anyone had turned down a major role in a Bond before. It really didn't go down too well at all. They were very tetchy about it.".

Ranked #12 on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists.

Ranked #7 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Rock & Roll.

He allegedly declined British knighthood in 2003 for his services to music.

Considers "Tonight" (released in 1984) and "Never Let Me Down" (released in 1987) to be his weakest albums.

Resides in London and New York City.

Appeared in Bing Crosby's last TV show before his death, a Christmas special taped in London that aired after Crosby's death in December 1977. It is memorable for Crosby and Bowie singing a duet of "The Little Drummer Boy": Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas (1977) (TV).

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

Early in his career, Bowie was once snubbed by The Beatles' "Apple" record label.

Suffers from fear of flying (Aviophobia).

Asked Stevie Ray Vaughan to play guitar on the album "Let's Dance" after seeing Double Trouble perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

The Sunday Times list estimated his net worth at $164 million. [2009]

Personal Quotes

Asked whether he thinks he is a good actor: "I took you in, didn't I? I rest my make-up case."

"I have nothing to say about the new album. Can I go now?" [during an interview about his new album in 1999]

Talking about art is like dancing about architecture.

I rate Morrissey (Steven Patrick Morrissey) as one of the best lyricists in Britain. For me, he's up there with Bryan Ferry.

"Any list of advice I have to offer to a musician always ends with, 'If it itches, go and see a doctor.'" [on getting an honorary degree from Boston's Berklee College of Music]

I know about Kylie (Kylie Minogue) and Robbie (Robbie Williams) and 'Pop Idol' and stuff like that. You can't get away from that when you hit the [British] shore, so I know all about the cruise ship entertainment aspect of British pop.

I'm an instant star; just add water.

"It would be my guess that Madonna is not a very happy woman. From my own experience, having gone through persona changes like that, that kind of clawing need to be the center of attention is not a pleasant place to be." - from 1992

I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.

I'm looking for backing for an unauthorized auto-biography that I am writing. Hopefully, this will sell in such huge numbers that I will be able to sue myself for an extraordinary amount of money and finance the film version in which I will play everybody.

"It's true - I am a bisexual. But I can't deny that I've used that fact very well. I suppose it's the best thing that ever happened to me. Fun, too." - in 1976 interview with Playboy

You would think that a rock star being married to a super-model would be one of the greatest things in the world. It is.

I don't know how many times someone has come up to me and said, `Hey, Lets dance!' I hate dancing. God, it's stupid.

I re-invented my image so many times that I'm in denial that I was originally an overweight Korean woman.

"Fab. But, you know, I don't feel fifty. I feel not a day over forty-nine. It's incredible. I'm bouncy, I feel bouncy." - on being 50

I once asked [John] Lennon what he thought of what I do. He said 'it's great, but its just rock and roll with lipstick on'.

I gave up smoking six months before I had the heart attack - so that was worth it, wasn't it! I started to give up when my daughter was born because I wouldn't smoke in the house with her there so I had to go outside. It's bloody cold in winter in New York, so I just quit.

"The few times I saw him perform in London at UFO and the Marquee clubs during the '60s will forever be etched in my mind. He was so charismatic and such a startlingly original songwriter. Also, along with Anthony Newley, he was the first guy I'd heard to sing pop or rock with a British accent. His impact on my thinking was enormous. A major regret is that I never got to know him. A diamond indeed." (On Syd Barrett)

When I performed I was thinking, you all look like you should be seeing Phil Collins. Then I thought, hang on, I sound like Phil Collins. So I've changed. I'm not comfortable with the mainstream thing. (On his pop sound during the 1980s)

[from 1983] I get offered so many bad movies. And they're all raging queens or transvestites or Martians.

I had no problem with people knowing I was bisexual. But I had no inclination to hold any banners or be a representative of any group of people. I knew what I wanted to be, which was a songwriter and a performer, and I felt that bisexuality became my headline over here for so long. America is a very puritanical place, and I think it stood in the way of so much I wanted to do. (2002)

[On Elvis Presley] I saw a cousin of mine when I was young. She was dancing to 'Hound Dog' and I had never seen her get up and be moved so much by anything. It really impressed me, the power of the music. I started getting records immediately after that.

Freud would have a heyday with me.

The whole animal of rock keeps changing itself so fast and so furiously that you just can't plan ahead.

Rock has always been the devil's music.

Where Are They Now

(August 2003) Preparing for his worldwide 'Reality' tour which takes in the UK, November 2003.

(2005) Preparing to record a new solo album which will hit in stores sometime in late 2005 or early 2006.

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