Today marks what would have been the birthday of legendary musician David Bowie, almost five years after his devastating death.
On this day in 1947, the Ziggy Stardust icon was born in Brixton, London.
Bowie was a leading figure in the music industry and is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century to this day.
Sadly, the artist faced tragedy throughout his life, which was certainly reflected in his remarkable songs and lyrics.
His death was a shock to fans, but Bowie had been battling liver cancer behind closed doors for months.
On what would have been his 74th birthday, Daily Star is exploring Bowie’s extraordinary life and tragic death.
Early Life
David Bowie was born in Brixton, London, in January 1947 (Image: Getty Images)
David Bowie was born in Brixton, South London, England, on January 8, 1947.
He’s said to have shown an interest in the world of music from a young age and he began playing the saxophone aged 13.
It was his half-brother Terry, nine years older, who introduced Bowie to the wondrous world of rock music.
Bowie began working as a commercial artist after graduating from Bromley Technical High School at 16.
During that time he was performing music as he led a group called Davy Jones and the Lower Third, before going solo.
Family heartbreak
The rock and roll legend was known for his iconic character Ziggy Stardust (Image: Michael Ochs Archives)
David’s father was Haywood Stendton Jones, and his mother, Margaret Mary Jones.
Sadly, mental illness plagued his family, and the devastating death of his half-brother Terry haunted Bowie during his career.
Terry’s demons and mental health led to his family committing him to an institution.
He tragically took his own life in 1985, leaving Bowie devastated.
Bowie seemed to channel his family heartache and mental illness fears into his music, as his sibling’s death was a focal point of hit Jump They Say.
Music legacy
Bowie was adored globally for his astounding sense of style and musical talent (Image: Publicity Picture)
Bowie was a legendary rock star known for his astounding sense of style and musical talent.
The Ziggy Stardust icon sold around 140 million albums globally during his career, as he released 27 studio albums and a vast array of songs.
His tragic death left a huge hole in the music industry, but his legacy has continued years after his passing.
David’s iconic songs dominated the top of the charts after his death was announced.
Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, was released on his 69th birthday, just two days before he passed away.
He won six Grammy Awards and four Brit Awards, as well as having an array of hits in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock And Roll.
Bowie’s music is sure to live on in fans hearts forever.
Bowie’s relationships and children
David and Angie first met just before the release of Space Oddity in 1969 (Image: Getty Images)
During his life, David had two wives, having one child with each.
The star’s first wife was Angela Barnett, and they welcomed their son Zowie into the world in May 1971.
The singer first met Angie, who was in the Celebrity Big Brother house when he died, just before the release of Space Oddity in 1969.
Their marriage lasted for 10 years before the couple decided to part ways.
The legendary musician married fashion model Iman in 1992 (Image: X00034)
Bowie tied the knot once again in 1992 as he married Somali fashion model Iman.
He had his second child, Alexandria ‘Lexi’ Jones, with Iman, who gave birth to her in New York in August 2000.
Iman was left widowed when the Space Oddity hitmaker lost his battle with liver cancer in 2016, decades after they got married.
Tragic illness and heartbreaking death
Bowie performed at the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium in 1985 (Image: Getty Images)
Bowie, who was famous for his iconic alter egos such as Ziggy Stardust and The Thin White Duke, was rarely seen in the spotlight after 2004.
After touring globally for decades, he performed an astounding set at Glastonbury festival in June 2000.
Four years later, the star suffered a sudden heart attack in Germany during his Reality tour.
He was forced to undergo emergency heart surgery and rarely appeared in public after that.
Bowie surprised his devoted fanbase with his 24th album, The Next Day in 2013.
Fans were heartbroken as Bowie tragically died two days after his 69th birthday in 2016 (Image: Getty Images)
Three years later he released Blackstar on his 69th birthday (8th January) in 2016.
Then, tragedy struck, as Bowie died at his New York home two days after the album was released.
His death came as a huge shock to fans, but Bowie had been battling his illness in secret for years.
Days after his passing was announced, it emerged David had been living with liver cancer after being diagnosed in 2014.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
