The news of David Bowie’s death saddened so many of us. He was a true artist: a singer, songwriter, and musician, but also an actor, painter and record producer.  His innovative – and constantly changing – impact on pop culture was enormous, from his androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust, to the Thin White Duke, to a producer who influenced the nature of rock music that followed him.

I have to admit I discovered David Bowie’s music later in his career. Fortunately I grew to appreciate the unique artist he was. He used his celebrity to show it is okay to be different: to pursue “serious moonlight” and to embrace “Ch-ch-changes”, to express ourselves in a way that reflects who we are, to embrace beliefs that aren’t in the mainstream. Bowie was someone who made “different” cool, someone who was expressive and inclusive instead judgmental.

David Bowie opened a path for many doubting adolescents that gave them permission to feel good about themselves. That non-judgmental approach and openness to being an individual is something I have tried to share my own children.

Was it show business? Sure. Did he make a small fortune? Sure. Yet there is a sincerity to his music that goes beyond the beat. A totally unique tune that allowed us the freedom to explore who we are.

To quote “Starman:”

“Let the children lose it

Let the children use it

Let all the children boogie”

Farewell Mr. Bowie. Au revoir Ziggy Stardust.