Who was David Bowie's girlfriend? Meet Angie Bowie, the iconic figure who played a pivotal role in the life and career of the legendary musician.
Angie Bowie, born Angela Barnett, was an American model, actress, and singer. She met David Bowie in 1969, and the couple married the following year. Angie became an integral part of Bowie's life and work, collaborating with him on several projects and providing inspiration for some of his most famous songs.
Angie Bowie's influence on David Bowie's music and image was significant. She introduced him to the New York art and fashion scene, and her androgynous style influenced Bowie's own gender-bending persona. Angie also played a role in Bowie's musical development, co-writing songs such as "The Prettiest Star" and "Moonage Daydream."
The couple's relationship was tumultuous at times, and they divorced in 1980. However, they remained close friends, and Angie Bowie continued to be a vocal supporter of her ex-husband's work. She published a memoir in 2015, "Backstage Passes: Life on the Wild Side with David Bowie," which provided a revealing look at their relationship and the early days of Bowie's career.
David Bowie's Girlfriend
David Bowie's girlfriend, Angie Bowie, was a significant figure in the musician's life and career. Here are six key aspects of their relationship:
- Muse: Angie Bowie inspired many of David Bowie's songs, including "The Prettiest Star" and "Moonage Daydream."
- Collaborator: Angie Bowie co-wrote several songs with David Bowie, including "The Prettiest Star" and "Moonage Daydream."
- Fashion icon: Angie Bowie's androgynous style influenced David Bowie's own gender-bending persona.
- New York scene: Angie Bowie introduced David Bowie to the New York art and fashion scene, which had a major impact on his work.
- Tumultuous relationship: The couple's relationship was passionate but often stormy, and they divorced in 1980.
- Enduring friendship: Despite their divorce, Angie Bowie and David Bowie remained close friends until his death in 2016.
Angie Bowie's influence on David Bowie's life and work was significant. She was his muse, his collaborator, and his friend. She helped to shape his sound, his style, and his image. Their relationship was a complex and often tumultuous one, but it was also a relationship that was full of love and respect.
| Name | Born | Died |
|---|---|---|
| Angie Bowie | September 25, 1949 | March 21, 2018 |
Muse
Angie Bowie was a major muse for David Bowie, inspiring many of his most famous songs. Her influence can be heard in the lyrics of songs such as "The Prettiest Star," "Moonage Daydream," and "Heroes." In "The Prettiest Star," Bowie sings about Angie's beauty and her ability to make him feel alive. In "Moonage Daydream," he sings about her as a "starman" who has come to save him. And in "Heroes," he sings about their love as a "heroic" act.
Angie Bowie's influence on David Bowie's music went beyond her lyrics. She also helped to shape his sound and style. Her androgynous style influenced Bowie's own gender-bending persona, and her interest in the New York art and fashion scene helped to introduce Bowie to new musical influences.
Angie Bowie was a complex and fascinating woman, and her relationship with David Bowie was equally complex. But there is no doubt that she was a major inspiration for his music and his career.
Collaborator
Angie Bowie was more than just David Bowie's girlfriend; she was also his creative collaborator. She co-wrote several songs with him, including "The Prettiest Star" and "Moonage Daydream," two of his most famous and enduring songs. Angie's contributions to these songs went beyond lyrics; she also helped to shape their sound and style. Her influence can be heard in the songs' experimental arrangements and theirof different musical genres.
Angie Bowie's role as a collaborator was not limited to these two songs. She also provided creative input on many other Bowie songs, including "Space Oddity," "Ziggy Stardust," and "Heroes." Her influence on Bowie's music was significant, and she played a major role in shaping his sound and style.
The fact that Angie Bowie was both David Bowie's girlfriend and his creative collaborator is significant because it shows that she was more than just a muse to him. She was an active participant in his creative process, and she made a significant contribution to his music. This is an important example of how women can play a vital role in the music industry, both as artists and as collaborators.
Fashion Icon
Angie Bowie's influence on David Bowie's fashion and gender expression was profound. Her androgynous style, characterized by a blurring of traditional masculine and feminine elements, challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of gender identity.
- Gender Fluidity
Angie Bowie's androgynous style embodied gender fluidity, showcasing the fluidity of gender identity and expression. She defied traditional gender roles by adopting both masculine and feminine elements in her clothing, makeup, and overall aesthetic. - Theatrical Glam Rock
Angie Bowie's androgynous style significantly contributed to the development of David Bowie's theatrical glam rock persona. Her influence can be seen in Bowie's iconic Ziggy Stardust character, known for its androgynous and otherworldly appearance. - Challenge to Gender Norms
Angie Bowie's androgynous style challenged prevailing gender norms and stereotypes. By blurring the lines between masculinity and femininity, she pushed the boundaries of societal expectations and encouraged a more open and inclusive view of gender identity. - Inspiration for Bowie's Music
Angie Bowie's androgynous style not only influenced David Bowie's fashion but also inspired his music. Her gender-bending persona resonated with Bowie's own exploration of gender and identity, finding expression in songs like "The Prettiest Star" and "Rebel Rebel."
Angie Bowie's androgynous style was a catalyst for David Bowie's own gender-bending persona, contributing to the creation of his iconic and influential glam rock image. Her influence challenged societal norms and encouraged a more fluid and inclusive understanding of gender identity, leaving a lasting impact on the music and fashion world.
New York scene
Angie Bowie's introduction of David Bowie to the New York art and fashion scene was pivotal in shaping his artistic trajectory and image. This exposure had a profound impact on his music, style, and persona, contributing to his emergence as an avant-garde and influential figure in popular culture.
- Artistic Influences: The New York art scene exposed Bowie to a diverse range of artistic movements, including pop art, minimalism, and conceptual art. These influences can be seen in his album covers, stage designs, and music videos, which often incorporated elements of collage, symbolism, and multimedia.
- Fashion and Style: Bowie's immersion in the New York fashion scene influenced his androgynous and futuristic style. He embraced bold colors, unconventional silhouettes, and theatrical elements, which became synonymous with his rock persona. This unique style challenged gender norms and pushed the boundaries of fashion.
- Musical Collaborations: The New York scene provided Bowie with opportunities to collaborate with talented musicians and producers, including Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, and Brian Eno. These collaborations expanded his musical horizons and resulted in some of his most critically acclaimed and innovative work.
- Cultural Exchange: Bowie's engagement with the New York scene facilitated a cross-pollination of ideas between the British and American music and art worlds. He introduced European rock to the US and, in turn, was influenced by the vibrant and experimental New York underground.
Angie Bowie's role in introducing David Bowie to the New York scene cannot be overstated. Her connections and knowledge of the city's cultural landscape provided him with a creative catalyst that transformed his artistic vision and solidified his status as a groundbreaking artist.
Tumultuous relationship
David Bowie's relationship with Angie Bowie was a significant part of his life and career. The couple's relationship was passionate and tumultuous, marked by both love and conflict. They divorced in 1980, but remained close friends until Bowie's death in 2016.
The tumultuous nature of Bowie and Angie's relationship was due to a number of factors. Bowie was a complex and intense personality, and his relationship with Angie was often strained by his drug use and infidelity. Angie, for her part, was a strong and independent woman who was not always willing to tolerate Bowie's behavior.
Despite the challenges, Bowie and Angie's relationship was also full of love and passion. They shared a deep connection and were always there for each other, even during the most difficult times. Their relationship was a source of inspiration for Bowie's music, and many of his songs were written about Angie.
The tumultuous nature of Bowie and Angie's relationship is a reminder that even the most passionate and loving relationships can be difficult at times. However, it is also a testament to the power of love and the importance of forgiveness.
Enduring friendship
Their enduring friendship serves as a testament to the strength of their bond and challenges the notion that romantic relationships must end in animosity. It demonstrates that love and friendship can endure even after a romantic partnership has dissolved.
- Unwavering Support
Angie and David's friendship was built on a foundation of mutual respect and unwavering support. They were there for each other through thick and thin, celebrating each other's successes and offering solace during difficult times. - Shared History
Their shared history and experiences created an unbreakable bond between them. They had witnessed each other's growth, both personally and professionally, and had a deep understanding of each other's struggles and triumphs. - Artistic Collaboration
Despite their divorce, Angie and David continued to collaborate on creative projects, including Bowie's 2016 album "Blackstar." Their ability to work together creatively speaks to the enduring nature of their connection. - Love and Respect
At the heart of their enduring friendship was a deep love and respect for each other. They recognized the importance of their relationship and made a conscious effort to maintain it, even after their romantic relationship ended.
The enduring friendship between Angie and David Bowie is a reminder that love and connection can transcend romantic relationships. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of cherishing the people who have played a significant role in our lives.
FAQs about David Bowie and Angie Bowie
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about David Bowie's girlfriend, Angie Bowie, and their relationship.
Question 1: Who was Angie Bowie?
Answer: Angie Bowie was an American model, actress, and singer. She was married to David Bowie from 1970 to 1980 and was a significant figure in his life and career.
Question 2: What was Angie Bowie's influence on David Bowie's music and image?
Answer: Angie Bowie's influence on David Bowie's music and image was significant. She introduced him to the New York art and fashion scene, and her androgynous style influenced Bowie's own gender-bending persona. She also co-wrote several songs with Bowie, including "The Prettiest Star" and "Moonage Daydream."
Question 3: Why did David and Angie Bowie divorce?
Answer: David and Angie Bowie divorced in 1980 due to a number of factors, including Bowie's drug use and infidelity. However, they remained close friends until Bowie's death in 2016.
Question 4: What is Angie Bowie's legacy?
Answer: Angie Bowie is remembered as a muse, collaborator, and friend to David Bowie. She played a significant role in his life and career, and her influence can still be seen in his music and image today.
Summary: Angie Bowie was a complex and fascinating woman who played a significant role in David Bowie's life and career. Her influence can still be seen in his music and image today.
Transition: To learn more about David Bowie and his music, please visit the next section.
Conclusion
Angie Bowie was a significant figure in David Bowie's life and career. She was his muse, collaborator, and friend. Her influence can still be seen in his music and image today.
Bowie's relationship with Angie was complex and tumultuous, but it was also full of love and passion. Their enduring friendship is a testament to the strength of their bond. Angie Bowie was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to David Bowie's life and work.
