"I suppose for me as an artist it wasn't always just about expressing my work; I really wanted, more than anything else, to contribute in some way to the culture that I was living in. It just seemed like a challenge to move it a little bit towards the way I thought it might be interesting to go."
"I don't have stylistic loyalty. That's why people perceive me changing all the time. But there is a real continuity in my subject matter. "
"On the other hand, what I like my music to do to me is awaken the ghosts inside of me. Not the demons, you understand, but the ghosts."
"I'm not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I'm living on."
"That's the shock: All cliches are true. The years really do speed by. Life really is as short as they tell you it is. And there really is a God - so do I buy that one? If all the other cliches are true... Hell, don't pose me that one."
"When you've had red hair and no eyebrows you've got to have a sense of humor."
"I Don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring."
Yeah, so sad about this. He was such an original--yet, unlike some avant-garde artists, his work was also very accessible and moving. I loved his music, from his solo songs to his interesting collaborations. Have you ever seen his holiday duet with Bing Crosby? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADbJLo4x-tk It's not the greatest thing he ever did, but it's a perfect example of his interest in working with other artists, however unexpected the pairing! *sniffle*
ReplyDeleteI was five when I saw his duet of Little Drummer Boy with Bing Crosby in his Christmas special and I still remember it. His music has always been there through my whole life and he will be missed. Space Oddity, Changes, Rebel Rebel, Young Americans, Fame, Heroes, Modern Love, and so much more will stay with me the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteMy heart just broke when I heard the news this morning. His music has been such a part of my life since childhood - seems impossible that he's gone. Thanks so much for that wonderful photo with the cat. And I didn't think I could possibly laugh right now, but I did (and still am) when I read the quote about the red hair and no eyebrows.
ReplyDeleteAnna
What a shock this was coming just three days after the release of "Blackstar". Just yesterday a friend and I were talking about David Bowie's evolution over the years and reminiscing about the eras it spanned. Growing up and moving into maturity, his music always, to use the cliché, spot on and evocative of the times. A brilliantly creative and multi-talented man, people like David Bowie don't come along all that often and so he will be deeply missed. But, although he is now gone, he has left an indelible footprint on music that will be an influence and inspiration for musicians for generations to come.
ReplyDeleteI know I should be commenting on his musical genius but, God, he was stylish. He made anything, just anything look good, and original and true to him. The very definition of style at every stage of his life. Even the ending was pure art.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I'm glad you mentioned that. He was fearless in his style for the stage and had quite a flare for fashion in his civilian life. Even when he was at his most outrageous, I always felt like I "got it" and the message that went with it. An exceptional man, David Bowie.
DeleteJust so really sad hearing this when I woke up this morning. From my generation, farewell Goblin King. :) He was an amazing artist and infinitely interesting.
ReplyDeleteVery sad... he was "one of a kind" ..... I had the album with him on the front with Twiggy in makeup .... makeup - of course!!!
ReplyDeleteEileen - you are correct - he was fearless in his pursuits. I actually gasped when I saw the news very early Monday morning. Such a talent, and so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteExceptional, fearless and unforgettable - that was David Bowie.
David Bowie is one of my favorite performers - I was so sad to hear the news of his passing.
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