David Bowie Biography

David Bowie

This multi-faceted performer is so versatile he even has eyes that are two different colors. Though most well-known for his legendary contributions to popular music, he is also an accomplished artist, writer, and Broadway and film actor. Most recently, he has even become the object of financial speculation through his Bowie Bonds—financial instruments that pay holders a share of the performer's future earnings. Having changed his name in 1967 to avoid confusion with Monkees lead singer Davy Jones, his music career did not take off until the release of his single “Space Oddity” (1969), which was used as a theme song for the moon landing. He appeared on Broadway in The Elephant Man (1983) and starred in several cult classic movies, including Labyrinth (1988), Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992), and in historical roles such as Pontius Pilate in Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) and as Andy Warhol in Basquiat (1996). His most popular albums include The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), Young Americans (1975), and Let's Dance (1983). With fellow rock legend Mick Jagger he recorded “Dancing in the Streets” (1985), a cover of the Martha and the Vandellas hit, whose proceeds went to benefit Live Aid, a famine relief charity. He is married to Somali model Iman.