Today is the 62nd birthday of David Bowie (b. 1/8/1947). Bowie has proved massively influential through his music (his epic 70’s ‘Berlin Trilogy’, albums Low, Heroes, and, my most beloved Bowie album: Lodger, pictured at left), through his work producing albums by other artists including Lou Reed, Iggy and the Stooges, and Mott the Hoople, and, of course, his ever-changing fashion! His most recent work has been appearing on Scarlett Johansson’s album of Tom Waits covers Anywhere I Lay My Head and iSelect, a career-spaning compilation of Bowie’s music featuring favourite tracks he personally selected, both released in 2008.

Watch “DJ” - David Bowie:


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January 8th marks the birthday of another hugely revolutionary artist: Elvis Presley (b. 1/8/1935 - d. 8/16/1977), who would have been 74 if he were alive today. One of the most iconic musicians, the very “King of Rock n’ Roll” himself, released pioneering recordings in early rock music and became an inspiration to countless rock stars, like The Beatles and Bob Dylan, to the groups of the late 70’s rockabilly revival like The Cramps and The Stray Cats, and onward. Though there is not much I can say about this man that hasn’t been said, Elv1s: 30 #1 Hits and 2nd to None are excellent places to begin. His debut Elvis Presley LP from 1956 is surprisingly well-known to people in my age group…often because of The Clash’s appropriation of the font and style for London Calling in 1979!

Watch “That’s Alright Mama” - Elvis Presley