A Nobody.

Ask anyone. Well, almost anyone. They’ve all heard of David Bowie. You’ve all heard of David Bowie. Singer, songwriter, actor… “His influence has been unique in popular culture – he has permeated and altered more lives than any comparable figure” (David Buckley, composer).

Back in the 60s however, he was a nobody. His debut singles were all commercial failures, and he hopped from band to band, unsatisfied with any. It wasn’t until “Space Oddity,” until July 1969, that Bowie finally caught the eye and ear of the public. Ironically, British television used the song as background music for the first lunar landing itself – despite the controversial lyrics.

“Space Oddity” became a UK top five hit, but it didn’t reach American audiences until 1972. That’s right about when Bowie’s success took flight. He has now been a major figure in the world of popular music for over four decades, and his reputation alone serves as an appeal to ethos. Back then, it was the song alone, and maybe the context of its release, that had to convince audiences – no help from the “big name.”