David Bowie
(1947-2016), Singer, songwriter, performer and actorSitter in 20 portraits
Known as the chameleon of pop for his ever-changing appearance, futuristic costumes and outlandish makeup, Bowie was born David Jones in Brixton, London. He released his first album in 1967 and gained wide recognition two years later with his single Space Oddity, which coincided with the first moon landing. Albums such as Hunky Dory (1971), Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), Aladdin Sane (1973) and Diamond Dogs (1974) made him an international star. His film roles included the lead in The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence (1983) and Andy Warhol in Basquiat (1996). Bowie's final album Blackstar was released on his 69th birthday, 8 January 2016.
More on David Bowie: The Icons trail: discover the people who shaped the 20th Century
by David Wedgbury
resin print, 1966
NPG x47344
by David Bebbington
digital gelatin silver print, August 1969
NPG x133099
by David Bebbington
digital gelatin silver print, August 1969
NPG x133100
by David Bebbington
digital gelatin silver print, 16 August 1969
NPG x133101
by Unknown photographer
bromide press print, 1970s
NPG x198288
David Bowie; Dame Elizabeth Taylor
by Terry O'Neill
bromide print, 1975
NPG x88495
by Tony McGee
digital chromogenic print, March 1990
NPG x199689
by Derry Moore, 12th Earl of Drogheda
chromogenic print, 1992
NPG x126970
by Brian Duffy, and by Celia Philo, published by RCA Limited
colour offset lithographic record sleeve, 1973
NPG D49513
Sheet music cover for 'Space Oddity' by David Bowie
published by Essex Music Ltd, after Unknown photographer
halftone reproduction, published 1975
NPG D48362
National Portrait Gallery Extension
by Michael Heath
pen and ink, 2000
NPG D21631
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