What was the greatest contribution David Bowie made to modern music?

1. 88

   RJ Schwartzposted 8 years ago

   What was the greatest contribution David Bowie made to modern music?
   
   

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2. 69

   annasmomposted 8 years ago

   Such an enormous question.  RJ, the man was able to switch personas and genres and excel at anything he did.  His beautiful voice and boundless imagination were an exceptional combination.  I think he, meaning allowing himself to be himself, was his greatest contribution.

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3. 68

   Michaela Osieckiposted 8 years ago

   The guy basically pioneered the glam/pop genre and had a hand in the development of so many other genres that live on today.

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4. 97

   chef-de-jourposted 8 years ago

   The greatest contribution David Bowie made was by being himself - his open minded approach to change facilitated through his use of different personas, musicality and fashion gave him the edge.
   
   He somehow managed to be both outsider and populist by making sure his songwriting was always on the move and a true reflection of his latest persona. He followed the erratic path of the resolute artist, a groundbreaker, a giant, trying new stuff, re-inventing himself repeatedly.
   
   His range of music is astonishing, from hard rock and dance to experimental electronica, from soft ballad to funked up soul and on into jazz.
   
   His singing voice was distinctive, his use of guitars and sax innovative, his willingess to work with other artists (including the crooner Bing Crosby!) to explore new areas kept his creations fresh.
   
   His latest album tests the boundaries again. He knew the end was coming and transformed what could have been a sad, tearful send off into one of drama, mystery and art. Some accomplishment.

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5. 84

   gmwilliamsposted 8 years ago

   
   
   Before Madonna, David Bowie was the ultimate master of reinvention in the musical scene.  Mr. Bowie was always trying different types of musical genres from rock and roll, acid rock, disco, retro-rock, classical rock, lounge music & other types of music.  Mr. Bowie was never afraid to push the envelope regarding societal rules as to what defines gender.  Mr. Bowie refuse to adhere to atavistic societal paradigms regarding gender, mores, or music. 
   
   Besides being a musical artist, Mr. Bowie was a gifted artist.  He also was a gifted actor, noting his supernatural performance in Broadway's The Elephant Man as the lead character.  Mr. Bowie by his musical prodigiousness became a legend.  He was never an imitator but broke the rules & barriers in the full artistic sense!  He was a TRUE TRAILBLAZER!!!!!!

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6. 94

   Dean Traylorposted 8 years ago

   He brought in personas and created characters with his music and look. I believe that he was one of the few musician that managed to weave visuals with his music.  Also he wasn't afraid to cross musical genre or create new ones (just listen to the album Heroes). On top of that, the Ziggy Stardust creation was a stroke of genius. He created an alter ego that was both entertaining and a bit of a commentary on pop stardom. In many respects he was telling a story and we were all involved in some way.
   Also, it's interesting that anthems such as "changes" seemingly speak not only to his generation to others that followed. Due to his constant experimenting with his music and reinvention of himself or the numerous personas, he has managed to stay relevant for more than 40 years.

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7. 59

   Gorun1posted 8 years ago

   As Bowie was a true musician and fashion icon. He influenced music but also was a
   non-conformer. This has gone global not just here in the UK. He gave everyone a great vision as he was a great innovator.  As an artist he made us all think from the early MTV days to today.
   Bowie, whose sexuality was never simple, is now and will always be a Rock Star.
   
   After Bowie there has been no other pop icon of his stature. Our pop world that produces these rock gods doesn't really exist anymore.
   
   Mr. Bowie was his generation’s standard-bearer for rock as theater. He was an explorer of human impulses. Bowie showed us a totally different way of being and expressing a personality through fashion and music.
   
   The way he dressed always by showing a flamboyant side. That was his character. I never got to go to one of his shows. I now really regret that. Bowie influenced so many people, and certainly will be remembered as ahead of his time.
   
   David Robert Jones RIP

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