Dance Magic, Dance

I awoke this cold January morning and checked my phone, where various news outlets were reporting that David Bowie had passed away and lost his 18 month battle with cancer. This rock and roll icon was surrounded by family, and leaves a legacy of decades of amazing music, awards, accolades, and movies just days after his 69th birthday. He had just released Blackstar on his birthday.

David Bowie Ziggy Stardust - Wiki Photo

His early music career had him in a variety of looks and styles until his 'alter-ego' Ziggy Stardust was born in the early 70s and was an instant hit. So much inspiring, emotional music came from this man- Rebel Rebel, Diamond Dogs, All the Young Dudes, Fame, Young Americans, The Thin White Duke, Stay, Under Pressure, Let's Dance, China Girl, Where Are We Now ...so much more! I cannot name them all!

Plus singing that gorgeous duet in Peace on Earth/ Little Drummer Boy with Bing Crosby. Unfortunately, there was a large dose of drugs mixed into his career, but he still made fabulous music and got healthy again.He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

First time I really recall seeing Bowie was during the Live Aid performance within a released single of him and Mick Jagger performing Dancing in the Streets. I had that taped on VHS and would dance and sing to it every chance I got- I was maybe 6? I thought it was the greatest thing I had ever heard. I was too young to understand or like his music from the 70s and 80s until I was in college in the late 90s.

Labyrinth movie poster from 1986, Wiki photo

And of course, in grade school my parents took me to see Labyrinth- the greatest movie ever! This Jim Henson film came out in 1986 and featured Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King! I still can recite entire pieces of dialogue, to say nothing of knowing all the great songs by heart (five of which are from Bowie). I loved this film, still do!

Most of my info on this piece came from Wikipedia, but I wanted to write up a small tribute this morning before work because I was a fan and I did love his music. 

He's won so many awards, done so much more than I have accounted for here, but take a moment today, listen to your fave Bowie song or 20...and let's dance...He'd want us to dance in the streets.