Rock legend David Bowie has died at age 69, after battling cancer for 18 months.
One of the most influential musicians of his time, he blazed a trail for artists, activists and outsiders of all kinds with his rebellious persona and innovative sound.
Famous for now classic anthems like Life on Mars, Starman, Changes and Ziggy Stardust, he also became a fashion icon for his daring, futuristic and gender-defying style.
Throughout his career he used his music to work for social justice. He performed at the first Live Aid concert in 1985 to raise funds for relief of the ongoing famine in Ethiopia--the first gig of its kind. Bowie also appeared on the Warchild Presents Heroes album, a charity album to support Warchild’s aid efforts in war-stricken areas like Iraq, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Visionary and creative, Bowie rejected the status quo in every area of his life, always pushing new boundaries. More than anything, his influence proves you don’t have to accept the world as you found it. Instead, you can change it for the better. This is a message all global citizens can embrace.
Check out these tributes from friends, fans and family that capture the power of his pioneering legacy.
Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin
Bowie was an innovator, a unique artist with a vision that changed the face of popular music. He is greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/bfBXfItDMa
— Jimmy Page (@JimmyPage) January 11, 2016The Rolling Stones
As well as being a wonderful and kind man, he was an extraordinary artist, and a true original. 2/2 #DavidBowie
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) January 11, 2016Astronaut Chris Hadfield, who famously performed a cover of David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' in zero gravity
Ashes to ashes, dust to stardust. Your brilliance inspired us all. Goodbye Starman. pic.twitter.com/FbcxlAzces
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) January 11, 2016MC Hammer
Salute and Thank you to #DavidBowie for standing up for #BlackMusicians 💯 RIP 🙏🏿 @Iam360WISEhttps://t.co/reWcIbmSeY
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) January 11, 2016The Vatican's chief spokesman on cultural affairs
Ground Control to Major Tom Commencing countdown, engines on Check ignition and may God's love be with you (David Bowie)
— Gianfranco Ravasi (@CardRavasi) January 11, 2016JK Rowling
I wish he could have stayed on earth longer. RIP #DavidBowiepic.twitter.com/jnYLaaootw
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 11, 2016And an intimate family photo from his son Duncan Jones.
Very sorry and sad to say it's true. I'll be offline for a while. Love to all. pic.twitter.com/Kh2fq3tf9m
— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 11, 2016David Bowie's life is a reminder to everyone that the world can be changed by an individual.That through music, through style, through activism one Rebel Rebel can spur a generation of people to become change-makers.
His work is a true inspiration to global citizens across the world. Let's appreciate his legacy by finding ways to be as rebellious and compassionate in our own lives as he was in his.