David Bowie passed away from an 18-month battle with cancer on January 10, 2016 — two days after his 69th birthday and the release of his newest studio album, Blackstar. He kept his illness a closely-guarded secret so his death was met with shock, especially since he'd just released his new project with a music video to go with it. As it turned out, his dying days artistically were carefully planned out and when studied in the illumination of his passing, discovered to be a statement/commentary on his own mortality. Once a pioneering multi-media genius, always a pioneering multi-media genius. Here on the S&G Podcast, in this two-parted theme we explore the music that influenced Bowie at times of his career in part 1.