Off The Record: David Bowie

Our latest chapter followed young David Bowie as he struggled to find his place in the Mod music scene of swinging sixties London. It was an exciting yet frustrating time for him as he fronted a lengthy list of doomed R&B bands — so close, yet so far from headliners like the Beatles, the Who and the Rolling Stones. Jordan spoke to one of David’s closest friends during that crucial learning period — Dana Gillespie, the legendary British blues singer whose career spans more than 70 albums. Her new memoir, Weren’t Born A Man, is a fascinating look at her astonishing life at the center of the entertainment scene in the ‘60s and ‘70s. It’s filled with tales of wild times with Bob Dylan, Elton John, Jimmy Page, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, and so many more. But back in 1964, Dana was just another teenage music hopeful. Just like David. They shared songs, laughter, beds (on occasion), and unforgettable memories of a time when they were just starting out and the Fab Four ruled the land. 

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At the peak of the Swinging Sixties, young David Jones remained on the fringe of the London music scene, watching bands like the Beatles, the Stones, the Who and the Kinks have all the fun. In just a few short years, the teenager fronted a lengthy list of short-lived groups, all destined to vanish without a trace. His first recordings flopped, and he faced ridicule and humiliation at nearly every turn. It was the most frustrating time in his life as he navigated the sharks and hucksters keen to rip off young hopefuls. To blow off steam, he partied all night with the sharp-dressed, pilled-up, sexually adventurous Mod kids. But trailing the pack of pop stars ultimately had an advantage. It allowed David to study them intently, reverse engineering the image and affectations that came to them naturally. By trying out different voices, he’d ultimately find his own. He’d also adopt a new name — Bowie. 

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Each chapter of 'Off the Record' will be followed by a bonus episode featuring interviews with real life figures from that week's installment. To kick things off, Jordan spoke to George Underwood, the renowned visual artist and David's childhood best friend. David and George were inseparable throughout their youth. These guys went to school together, played their first concerts together, saw Little Richard live and in person together, and chatted up girls together. This last factor would cause a bit a problem, sparking their one and only fight. The teenage tussle resulted in David's distinctive eye injury, but their friendship endured. In fact, David would later thank George for his trademark feature! George got David into his first band, the Konrads, and they also played together in a mid-'60s R&B combo called the King Bees. He later accompanied David on his first American tour and helped designed some of his most iconic album covers. They remained close for the rest of David's life.

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Who is David Bowie? To answer that question, you’ll have to meet little David Jones, the shy boy growing up in grey, postwar Britain. Grappling with a troubled home life, young David becomes transfixed by science fiction and rock ’n’ roll. A painful family secret spurs him to reject his drab suburban life in favor of beat poetry and free jazz. The vibrant, rebellious artistry inspires him to try his hand at making music of his own. On the series premiere of ‘Off the Record,’ we’ll explore the confluence of influences that formed David’s unique creative vision, and instilled in him the drive to conquer the rock world — and remake it in his own image. 

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The series premiere of 'Off the Record' explores the life — or, rather, lives — of David Bowie by examining each of his iconic personas. Major Tom. Ziggy Stardust. Aladdin Sane. The Thin White Duke. Taken collectively, these faces form a portrait of a one-of-a-kind rock legend. Follow his transformation from lonely London boy struggling to find his way in the Swinging Sixties to cultural innovator, whose relentless drive and daring nearly destroyed him. You know the songs, now meet the man. The 11-part season begins Monday, January 18th! 

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