David Robert Jones (8 January 1947 – 10 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie , was an English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, arranger, painter and actor. Bowie was a figure in popular music for over four decades, and was known as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s. His androgynous appearance was an iconic element of his image, principally in the 1970s and 1980s.

Born and raised in South London,On 10 January 2016, two days after releasing the album Blackstar on his 69th birthday, Bowie died from cancer at his New York home. He had been diagnosed with the illness eighteen months earlier

"He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life – a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry"-- Tony Visconti