What can I say that already hasn’t been said about David Bowie? A few months ago I listened to a track off of his new album, Blackstar. I was enlighted by the magic of his demeanor and the hidden message in his words, it was typical Bowie. Stretching out of the comfort zone, and not caring what people thought. Especially the critics. I learned a lot from Bowie in my early years and some say that they can hear glimpses of him in my voice. The first time I heard Bowie was in 1972 when he came out as Ziggy Stardust. I was in awe, and in 1977 when he appeared on Bing Crosby’s show singing Peace On Earth while Bing sang The Little Drummer Boy, I was then a true, lifelong fan. Bowie wrote these lyrics for Peace on Earth to counter what Bing was singing. Every time The Little Drummer Boy is sung you will always hear me singing Bowie’s part.
Peace on earth, can it be, years from now, perhaps we’ll see, see the day of glory. See the day, when men of good will live in peace, live in peace again. Peace on earth, can it be. Every child must be made aware, every child must be made to care. Care enough for his fellow man to give all the love that he can. I pray my wish will come true for my child and your child too. He’ll see the day of glory. See the day when men of good will live in peace, live in peace again. Peace on earth, can it be, can it be?
One Halloween I dressed up as Ziggy Stardust, it was my first Halloween in Los Angeles. The lightening bolt crossing my face, this new kid in LA with dreams of fame and fortune. I tell myself that Bowie felt the same way when he wore that mask for the first time. And as he has taught us, it was only a mask because the man was much more. He taught me that we are allowed to change, to express who we want to be at anytime, no matter what anybody thought. That expressing ourselves is our true gift to the world.
Rest In Peace David. Live in Peace.
