Monday, January 18, 2016

What Was the Big Deal About David Bowie?

Someone posed that question to me after the shocking news of David Bowie's death and I've been pondering my answer.
Admittedly, I own very few Bowie works, but I always respected his music and never change the station when I hear his songs ("Rebel Rebel" is not surprisingly my favorite.)

 His music contains influences of jazz, blues, R&B, soul, funk, and rock which transformed into his own music style = Glam Rock. Proficient on the saxophone, piano, guitar and more, his instrumental talent, was merely a fulcrum for his blast of lyrical genius. Stemming from his study of theatre and mime, the rocker used that experience well as he pumped grandiose theatrics into his presence and performances.
There are a few reasons why I think David Bowie was a big deal.....

 July, 1969
Ground Control to Major Tom .....
Released in the UK 10 days prior to Apollo 11's lift off, "Space Oddity" was introspective, innovative and sheer brilliance. The song was not actually released until the safe return of America's astronauts. The lasting power of this song has been remarkable and perhaps becomes more meaningful each decade..

 https://youtu.be/nP6xBFyA_aw


Oh! You Pretty Things......
Don't you know you're driving your Mamas and Papas insane....
Bowie burst onto the music scene, a tall, lanky, fair-haired and skinned fellow with crazy hair. We were used to seeing hotties like Jim Morrison, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and the Beach Boys. Did David Bowie's appearance make a lot of people feel uncomfortable? Probably. But guess what? 
A generation of emboldened individuals emerged through the stardust of David Bowie. Those who saw themselves as underdogs, black sheep, and misfits who didn't mesh with the jocks and cool kids responded to the outrageous appearance and innovative music of Bowie. Countless numbers of musicians and bands credit their creative products to Bowie. Perhaps the most appealing quality about Bowie in my opinion...is he created an environment that welcomed the non-jocks, the introverts, the creative geniuses. One of the most basic needs of the human race is acceptance and the Bowie fans found their home "outside of the box" with a man who invented a persona which confused many, but made sense to others. He put himself out there and said "you are cool, too."

https://youtu.be/pBQ-S6njQQw

Fame.....puts you there where things are hollow....
While Bowie enjoyed much superstardom, he suffered the effects of the golden ring, as do most celebrities. The song "Fame" was written with John Lennon, who knew the scarring effects of fame as well.
During this time, Bowie found a niche in the soul, funk and R&B genres. Growing up in England, listening to James Brown and Little Richard, he celebrated those styles and influences in his own sound. He was one of the first white artists to appear on the program "Soul Train."

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shnrnqx_wsY

 Another quite interesting interview with Bowie was in 1983   when he spoke with MTv's Mark Goodman and asked why they did not play more black artists on their video programming:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZGiVzIr8Qg


Blackstar.....the stars look very different today.
On Bowie's 69th birthday, January 8, 2016, his 25th studio album was released, "Blackstar." And just when you thought he couldn't blow our minds any further....he took it to another galaxy.
Having produced this album during his terminal illness, he used his music to send us another message. He is saying hey...yes, I'm going beyond this life. 
From the newly released song "Lazarus," he says: 
"This way or no way. You know, I'll be free. Just like that bluebird. Now ain't that just like me."
Listening to Bowie's music has taken on a new sound for me this past week. Thank you David Bowie for blowing our minds, giving those of us a comfort zone, and creating unforgettable music. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-JqH1M4Ya8



GRAMMY SYMPOSIUM - APRIL 1 - 2, 2016
Cleveland, Mississippi
Grammy Museum - Cleveland, Mississippi
The Grammy Museum in Cleveland Mississippi and Delta State University are presenting "GRAMMY Beatles 2016: From Cavern to Candlestick" 
Headlining the event are distinguished Beatles authors: Jude Southerland Kessler and Ivor Davis. I am honored to be part of the symposium as well!
It is going to be a Beatles lover's dream -- right in the Mississippi Delta where the blues originated and we all know how much The Beatles were influenced by the blues. 
Mark your calendar now to attend!
Here is information on tickets -- buy them NOW!

 http://www.grammymuseumms.org/events/detail/beatles-symposium-2016-from-the-cavern-to-candlestick

GRAMMY SYMPOSIUM CONTEST:

Now through February 14: 
Any time you like, share, or comment on one of the GRAMMY posts on the 910 Public Relations Facebook page, you'll be entered to win a FAB prize package! 
Included are two tickets to the Beatles Symposium event at the GRAMMY Museum in Mississippi (April 1-2), a limited edition GRAMMY vinyl featuring 'Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,' and a blu-ray of the GRAMMY Beatles salute featuring Paul and Ringo. 

 Find 910 Public Relations Here:

 Twitter:  https://twitter.com/910PubRel
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/910pr/

 Good luck!


Follow The Grammy Museum Here:
Twitter:   @GRAMMYMuseumMS
Facebook:   GRAMMY Museum Mississippi
Community Garden Revolution Magazine-January issue
It's time now to start planning those gardens - for real!
Here's the link to Mary Hukill's dynamic publication:


You can sign up to receive notifications of the magazine. Stay tuned for new formatting updates in 2016!
Peace & Love,

Lanea Stagg
Recipe Records Cookbooks
www.reciperecordscookbook.com
blog:  www.rockblocks3.blogspot.com
radio:  www.blogtalkradio.com/reciperecords
facebook:  RecipeRecords (send request)
twitter:  @RecipeRecords and @LaneaStagg
Evansville, Indiana
reciperecordsml@aol.com

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