WhereIsAtlas · Music

David Bowie

The chameleon-like artist behind Ziggy Stardust who kept reinventing music for five decades — died in 2016

Deceased — David Bowie died on January 10, 2016, two days after the release of his final album Blackstar and after turning 69. He was one of the most influential and constantly reinventive figures in popular music, spanning glam rock, soul, electronic and more.

David Bowie was born in 1947 in Brixton, London, and emerged in the late 1960s before becoming a global star in the 1970s. Through his alter ego Ziggy Stardust, he helped create glam rock and became one of the most visually and musically innovative artists of his era.

Bowie reinvented himself repeatedly — across glam rock, soul, Berlin-era experimentation and electronic pop — and his influence reached well beyond music. He sounded and looked different in nearly every decade, and he was also a widely respected actor. His final album, Blackstar, was released on his 69th birthday in January 2016.

He died on January 10, 2016, in London, two days after Blackstar, an album widely interpreted as a farewell. He had kept his illness private. Bowie is remembered as one of the most important and continuously creative figures in the history of popular music.

Quick facts

Born

1947, Brixton, London

Died

January 10, 2016, London

Alter ego

Ziggy Stardust

Final album

Blackstar (2016)

Genre

Glam rock, soul, electronic

Known for

Constant reinvention

Legacy

One of music's most influential figures

Sources

1. David Bowie - Wikipedia — Wikipedia (2026-09-05)
2. David Bowie death: London's Union Chapel hosts tribute concert — BBC News (2026-09-05)

Related: michael jackson · prince · madonna · john lennon