On January 10, 2016, David Bowie (formally known as David Robert Jones) joined the joined the world of the departed. The avant-garde musician pushed social consciousness forward through visually stunning performances, and memorable ballads. At the age of 69 he passed away of cancer. Fans around the world gathered to bid farewell to the late musician, including at his star on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame. In a musical career that spanned multiple decades, songs like “Modern Love,” “Fame”, “Dead Man Walking” and “Black Star” highlight the music themes of their respective eras and collaborations with Freddie Mercury, John Lennon, Trent Reznor, Mick Jagger and others illustrate the high-caliber musical talent he posed.

In writing this I revisited an album that I picked up at the Santa Monica Library, David Bowie: Live in Santa Monica ’72. It opens with an introduction from B. Mitchell Reed. The eighteen track album includes Space Oddity, Ziggy Stardust and more.