Beech Tree News Network

David Bowie passed away Sunday, two days after his 69th birthday, after an 18-month battle with cancer.  I heard the news on WLBQ Monday morning and was shocked.  When a legendary artist dies, you immediately think of your favorite song(s) by that artist.  “Fame”, “Changes”, “Modern Love” “Let’s Dance” and “Under Pressure” are mine.
There were a lot of things I didn’t know as I read excerpts on his life and career.  His real name was David Robert Jones. His four decade career incorporated singer-songwriter, record producer, painter and actor.  He was married to model Iman since 1992.  I knew he was married to Iman, I just didn’t know how long. 
His androgynous appearance was an iconic element of his image, principally in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s.  He had just released his 25th studio album Blackstar on January 8, two days before he passed.  The album is on track to become his first #1 album of his career.  Many were saying that Blackstar was Bowie’s goodbye letter to his fans.  That makes sense, as he knew he was on borrowed time. 
This reminds me of Freddie Mercury, who announced he had HIV one day before his passing.  There’s a link between Bowie and Mercury, not just their speedy illness.  Queen and David Bowie teamed up to duet on the 1981 track “Under Pressure”, another of my favorites.  Queen and Bowie wrote the song together. 
I was a little shocked, as I’m sure many were, upon hearing the news of Bowie’s passing.  I didn’t know that he was sick, by design.  The world has lost yet another musical genius, if not a genius in any sense.  If you haven’t yet, crank up some Bowie and I promise you’ll be taken back to another time.  I’m always taken back to the ‘80’s when I hear “Let’s Dance” or “Modern Love”.  That’s the sign of a great song.  That’s the sign of a great artist.  R.I.P. David Bowie.