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I’m not going to pertain to know of David Bowie during perhaps the greatest time of his career: Ziggy Stardust, or Major Tom, or Alladin Sane, however I do remember the Thin White Duke and Jareth the Goblin King.

Growing up in the early 80’s, David Bowie was as much of a staple in music as Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Queen, and Madonna (which, incidentally, were almost all performers at Live Aid-1985).  Perhaps like the Andy Warhol of music, Bowie would switch personas every couple of years, which others like Garth Brooks (Chris Gaines), Eminem (Slim Shady), Mariah Carey (Mimi), and Beyonce (Sasha Fierce/Yonce) would emulate, however, he was able to recraft himself continuously.  Perhaps the only other artist that has been able to do that, with relative success, would be Madonna.

Bowie was never a one trick pony, delving into acting, with an IMBD list that would choke a horse.  The man was versatile, creating iconic roles, like Jareth, or playing historic roles like Pontius Pilate in the 1988 film “The Last Temptation of Christ”, to the iconic Nikola Tesla in “The Prestige”.  Bowie’s mind could fill the finest contemporary art museum with his concepts alone.

His final video, “Lazarus”, released just 5 days ago, could be his last most telling, and existential of his works.  Just read the lyrics and you will understand:

Look up here, I’m in heaven
I’ve got scars that can’t be seen
I’ve got drama, can’t be stolen
Everybody knows me now

Look up here, man, I’m in danger
I’ve got nothing left to lose
I’m so high it makes my brain whirl
Dropped my cell phone down below

Ain’t that just like me

By the time I got to New York
I was living like a king
Then I used up all my money
I was looking for your ass

This way or no way

You know, I’ll be free
Just like that bluebird
Now ain’t that just like me
Oh I’ll be free
Just like that bluebird
Oh I’ll be free
Ain’t that just like me

The death knell of a genius.

Thank you, Mr. Bowie.  Like the man you named your last release after, your genius has risen up from the dead.