Age at Death and Birth Context
David Bowie died on 10 January 2016 at the age of 69. He was born on 8 June 1947 in London, England. By the time of his death, he had completed more than five decades in music, performance, and visual art, leaving a durable influence on popular culture. His death followed a diagnosis of liver cancer, which he had been treating privately for some time.
Biographical Timeline and Milestones
Bowie’s career is defined by continuous transformation and risk-taking, from early skiffle and folk influences through the mod scene, to the groundbreaking launches of Ziggy Stardust and Berlin-era works. Key phases include his UK breakthrough in the early 1970s, sustained chart presence through the 1980s and 1990s, and later experimental work and mainstream renewals in the 2000s. He remained professionally active and culturally visible until shortly before his death.
Early Life and Formation
Raised in London, Bowie engaged with music, art, and literature from an early age, studying saxophone and participating in school bands. Local performances and relentless self-reinvention foreshadowed the chameleonic career to come, helping him assemble a distinct artistic identity even before his first commercial recordings.
Career Breakthrough and Reinventions
The Ziggy Stardust era established Bowie as a leading figure in glam rock, while subsequent projects explored funk, soul, electronic, and industrial sounds. Each phase was accompanied by striking visual concepts and carefully curated personas, enabling him to reach multiple audiences and maintain relevance across generations.
Health and Cause of Death
Bowie’s liver cancer diagnosis was announced after his death in 2016. He had been undergoing treatment while maintaining privacy about the illness. Public statements from his family emphasized his focus on wellbeing and considered decisions near the end of his life, consistent with his preference for controlling his narrative.
Measured Career Highlights and Context
Rather than focusing solely on metrics, Bowie’s legacy is assessed through sustained innovation, iconic albums, and lasting influence on musicians and visual artists. His catalog spans rock, pop, and experimental works, many of which continue to be studied, sampled, and celebrated long after their release.
Documented Career and Awards Milestones
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 8 June 1947 | Official biographies and registries |
| Date of Death | 10 January 2016 | Obituaries and news reports |
| Age at Death | 69 years | Calculated from birth and death dates |
| Place of Death | New York City, USA | Family and official statements |
| Primary Cause of Death | Liver cancer | Posthumous family and medical disclosures |
Key Takeaways
- David Bowie died at age 69 on 10 January 2016.
- He was born on 8 June 1947, making his public span 68 full years plus months.
- His career extended over more than five decades with consistent cultural impact.
- Liver cancer was the stated medical cause, handled with privacy during treatment.
- Bowie’s influence persists across music, fashion, and visual media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Readers often seek clarity on Bowie’s age at milestone events and the circumstances of his later years. Reliable sources confirm his birth year as 1947 and his passing at 69. Discussions of his health respect his privacy while acknowledging the documented medical facts. This overview prioritizes verifiable details and avoids speculation.
Summary and Context
David Bowie’s life and work are defined by reinvention, artistic breadth, and long-term influence. His age at death reflects a career that continually evolved alongside shifts in music technology, culture, and audience expectations. By anchoring discussion in verified dates, causes, and documented milestones, this account supports durable understanding rather than momentary headlines.