Sunday, January 10, 2016

My Journey With David Bowie

8"x10" Pen and Ink
My Journey With David Bowie

I am truly lost for words. I am profoundly saddened by the lost of Mr. David Bowie.
I was introduced to David Bowie, in pop culture, while following his music video called “Let’s Dance”. This song has a great beat to it. An infectious rhythm to dance a simple “two step” along with. And that's what I did when the girl in the video found a pair of red shoes and started dancing, in her two-step I join too, and I swayed back-and-forth as to smooth voice of David Bowie as he sang “put on your red shoes and dance the blues”. I interpret that  as dance away your blues, so that's what I did! Years later I found out that the song was produced by the legendary Chic front man, Nile Rodgers. Mr. Bowie had great production taste!

He seemed to be an odd looking man, but yet striking at the same time. His appearance seems to be washed out, with the pale skin, white blonde hair and yet he had one I darker than the other (from a childhood accident). How strange, I thought. Yet, his wardrobe was highly tailored and bright in color. Since then, I loved more songs, including Modern love, Blue Jean, China girl, I’m afraid of Americans, Jump, Fashion, Changes, Heroes, Under Pressure, Rebel Rebel.

Something about him was different, but I couldn't place my finger on it at the time. Until I found out he was a Capricorn. Immediately it made so much sense to me. Ha ha! He was a very creative individual who thought outside the box.
For entertainment purposes only, he became my Capricorn brother.

I found out other bits and pieces about him such as, the late Luther Vandross (The ultimate smooth singer!) started off his career as David Bowie’s back up singer. Mr. Bowie also became vocal back in the day when MTV was  new, and he addresses the issue of the lack of or no black musicians were showcasing their music video especially the late Michael Jackson (The King of Pop!). After calling out the industry, the music video channels had Michael Jackson on heavy rotation. He has a keen eye for talent.

Anyway, when I found out that he was going to celebrate his 50th birthday by having a concert at Madison Square Garden, I wanted to celebrate my birthday at his concert but I never had the opportunity.


Mr. Bowie was truly an avant-garde artist.