David Bowie Biography: Life, Career, Family & Legacy

David Bowie, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, passed away on January 10, 2016. His death shocked fans worldwide as he had kept his illness private. Bowie died just two days after releasing his final album, Blackstar, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and creativity.

Place of Death: Manhattan, New York, United States

David Bowie died in Manhattan, New York, where he had lived during his later years. The city played a key role in his personal and artistic life. Bowie embraced New York’s dynamic energy and found inspiration in its cultural diversity, blending it seamlessly into his unique artistic expression and music.

Birthplace: Brixton, London, United Kingdom

Born in Brixton, London, David Bowie’s early life shaped his artistic journey. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, he was exposed to various musical styles and subcultures. This eclectic background laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work in glam rock, electronic music, and performance art, setting him apart from other artists.

Published on: September 2, 2019 at 10:12 AM

This information about David Bowie was published on September 2, 2019, at 10:12 AM. It serves as a commemorative reflection on his life and career. Publications like these keep his memory alive, celebrating his influence on music, fashion, and the broader landscape of pop culture long after his passing.

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

David Bowie was born under the zodiac sign Capricorn, known for ambition, discipline, and creativity—traits clearly reflected in his career. Capricorns often strive for excellence, and Bowie was no exception. His meticulous approach to his music and his constant reinvention aligned with the determination commonly associated with his star sign.

Height: 5 feet 9 inches (1.77 m)

David Bowie stood at a height of 5 feet 9 inches, or 1.77 meters. His presence was striking, not just due to his stature but also his distinctive style and charisma. Whether on stage or in films, Bowie’s physical appearance always added to his magnetic and transformative persona.

Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs)

Weighing approximately 70 kilograms, or 154 pounds, David Bowie maintained a slender frame throughout his career. His lean build contributed to his elegant, androgynous look, which became iconic in both music and fashion. This unique aesthetic played a significant role in shaping his image as a boundary-breaking artist.

Hair Color: Dyed Blonde

David Bowie was known for frequently changing his hair color, but dyed blonde was among his most iconic looks. The blonde hair added a dramatic flair, especially during his Ziggy Stardust era. It symbolized his constant evolution and helped define the theatrical, avant-garde image he was famous for.

Eye Color: Grayish

Bowie’s eye color was grayish, but many believed he had different-colored eyes due to a permanently dilated pupil caused by a childhood injury. This unique feature added a mysterious charm to his appearance. His eyes, often highlighted in photos and performances, became one of his most memorable traits.

School: London Film School

David Bowie attended the London Film School, where his passion for the arts expanded beyond music. His interest in film influenced many of his music videos and stage personas. The school helped him explore visual storytelling, which became a powerful tool in expressing his artistic vision throughout his multifaceted career.

College: College of Wooster

David Bowie also spent time at the College of Wooster, which contributed to his broad intellectual and creative development. Though primarily known for his music, Bowie’s exposure to different academic and cultural settings shaped his versatile approach to art, helping him stand out as a visionary across multiple disciplines.

Net Worth: USD $100 million Approx

At the time of his death, David Bowie had an estimated net worth of around $100 million. His earnings came from a prolific music career, successful tours, acting roles, and shrewd financial moves. Bowie’s legacy continues to generate income, underscoring the enduring value of his groundbreaking work and cultural impact.

Father: Haywood Stenton Jones

David Bowie’s father, Haywood Stenton Jones, played an essential role in his early life. A public relations officer, Haywood supported Bowie’s creative interests from a young age. Their bond influenced Bowie’s personal growth, helping shape the confidence and independence that would later fuel his artistic innovations.

Mother: Margaret Mary Jones

Margaret Mary Jones, Bowie’s mother, was a waitress with strong family values. Her influence on Bowie was profound, despite their sometimes complex relationship. Growing up in a working-class household gave Bowie a grounded perspective, even as he later rose to global fame and transformed into an artistic icon.

Brother: None

David Bowie did not have a biological brother. However, he had a half-brother, Terry Burns, who had a significant impact on Bowie’s life. Terry’s struggles with mental health deeply affected Bowie and inspired songs like “The Bewlay Brothers,” showcasing the emotional depth in his work.

Sister: None

Bowie had no full sisters. His family life was relatively private, though familial themes subtly appeared in his lyrics. While he had half-siblings, Bowie’s upbringing as an only child in the immediate household likely contributed to his introspective nature and unique artistic voice.

Marital Status: Married

David Bowie was married at the time of his death. His marriage to supermodel Iman was a celebrated partnership in the public eye. The couple maintained a strong, supportive relationship, often praised for their deep bond and mutual respect over more than two decades together.

Married: Iman (m. 1992–2016), Angela Bowie (m. 1970–1980)

Bowie married twice in his life. His first marriage was to Angela Bowie, which lasted from 1970 to 1980 and was known for its wild, rock-and-roll lifestyle. His second, lasting marriage was with Iman from 1992 until his death in 2016, marked by love, stability, and privacy.

No. of Children: 2

David Bowie had two children, whom he adored and kept mostly out of the spotlight. Fatherhood was important to him, especially later in life. His role as a parent revealed a tender, grounded side to the music legend, often unseen in his more flamboyant public persona.

Son: Duncan Jones

Bowie’s son, Duncan Jones, is a successful filmmaker known for directing movies like Moon and Source Code. Bowie was immensely proud of Duncan’s creative achievements. Their bond was strong, and Duncan has spoken movingly about his father’s influence on his personal life and creative outlook.

Daughter: Alexandria Zahra Jones

David Bowie’s daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones, often called “Lexi,” was born during his marriage to Iman. Bowie was known to be a devoted father, deeply involved in Lexi’s life. Her birth brought a sense of peace and joy to Bowie in his later years, grounding him further.

Past Relationships

David Bowie had a number of high-profile and long-term relationships throughout his life. These included Melissa Hurley, Ava Cherry, Elizabeth Taylor, and Amanda Lear, among others. His romances were as diverse as his career, reflecting his open-minded, adventurous spirit and his deep connections with other artists.

Past Relationships: Melissa Hurley (1987–1990)

Melissa Hurley was one of Bowie’s notable partners during the late 1980s. The pair were briefly engaged, and their relationship drew media attention. Though it didn’t last, their time together is remembered as part of Bowie’s more settled, introspective period before marrying Iman.

Past Relationships: Ava Cherry (1976–1979)

Ava Cherry, an American singer, was Bowie’s partner during a creatively rich era. Their relationship was both romantic and professional—she worked as a backing singer and influenced his soul and funk-inspired sound. Bowie’s work during this time, including Young Americans, reflected her significant artistic presence.

Past Relationships: Elizabeth Taylor (1975–1977)

David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor shared a brief but glamorous connection in the mid-1970s. Though the details of their romance were kept private, their mutual admiration was well-known. Both icons of their fields, their relationship captivated fans and represented a union of Hollywood and rock royalty.

Past Relationships: Lori Mattox (1974–1975)

Lori Mattox was among the young women romantically linked to Bowie in the early 1970s. Their relationship, like many during that era, was steeped in the excesses of rock stardom. Bowie’s personal life during this time reflected the wild spirit of the glam rock movement.

Past Relationships: Romy Haag (1973–1974)

Romy Haag, a Dutch nightclub performer, had a brief but passionate relationship with David Bowie. Their time together was influential, as Romy introduced Bowie to the Berlin nightlife scene. This experience played a role in inspiring his legendary Berlin Trilogy albums, marking a pivotal artistic shift.

Past Relationships: Amanda Lear (1972–1973)

Amanda Lear, a model and singer, was another muse and companion of David Bowie. Their relationship was both personal and professional, with Lear appearing on the cover of For Your Pleasure by Roxy Music. Bowie helped launch her career, and their bond was marked by artistic synergy.

Past Relationships: Marianne Faithfull (1971–1972)

Marianne Faithfull, already a music icon, shared a brief romance with Bowie in the early ’70s. Their relationship connected two of Britain’s most creative forces of the era. Though short-lived, their partnership represented a fusion of rock poetry and experimental ambition during an artistic peak.

Past Relationships: Hermione Farthingale (1967–1969)

Hermione Farthingale was one of Bowie’s earliest serious partners. Their relationship greatly influenced his early music, including the song “Letter to Hermione.” She was also part of his experimental theater group, and their time together marked the beginning of his lifelong fusion of music and performance art.

Past Relationships: Coco Schwab

Coco Schwab was David Bowie’s long-time personal assistant and confidante, and though not a confirmed romantic partner, she was often considered one of the most important people in his life. Their deep bond spanned decades, with Schwab being a pillar of support through Bowie’s career and personal struggles.

Past Relationships: Viv Lynn

Viv Lynn is among the lesser-known figures romantically linked to Bowie. Details about their relationship are sparse, but she represents one of the many people who crossed paths with him during his exploratory and often tumultuous younger years, a time defined by constant change and experimentation.

Past Relationships: Helena Springs

Helena Springs, a singer and backing vocalist, had a romantic connection with David Bowie in the 1980s. As with several of Bowie’s relationships, music played a central role. Their time together reflects Bowie’s ongoing attraction to fellow creatives and his deep appreciation for talent and artistry.