A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of David Bowie.
David Bowie, born David Robert Jones, was a highly influential English singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Celebrated for his groundbreaking work, especially in the 1970s, he was known for constant reinvention and striking visual presentations. His music and stagecraft profoundly impacted popular music, solidifying his legacy as one of the 20th century's most important artists.
1969: "Space Oddity" Wins Award
In 1969, David Bowie's commercial breakthrough, "Space Oddity", won him an Ivor Novello Special Award For Originality.
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1976: Move to Switzerland
In 1976, David Bowie moved to Switzerland and purchased a chalet, decreasing his cocaine use and devoting more time to painting.
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July 1980: Bowie stars in "The Elephant Man"
From July 1980 to January 1981, David Bowie played Joseph Merrick in the Broadway theatre production "The Elephant Man", receiving critical praise.
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January 1981: Bowie stars in "The Elephant Man"
From July 1980 to January 1981, David Bowie played Joseph Merrick in the Broadway theatre production "The Elephant Man", receiving critical praise.
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1983: Release of Let's Dance
In 1983, David Bowie released Let's Dance, co-produced by Nile Rodgers, achieving significant commercial success with its title track reaching number one in both the UK and the US.
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1984: MTV Video Music Awards
At the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, David Bowie received two awards including the inaugural Video Vanguard Award.
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1987: Song Dedicated to Coco Schwab
In 1987, David Bowie dedicated the song "Never Let Me Down" to Coco Schwab.
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1996: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
David Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
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1996: Outstanding Contribution to Music Award
In 1996, David Bowie received the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.
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1996: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1996, David Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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February 1997: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
On February 12, 1997, David Bowie received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the music industry.
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1999: Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
In 1999, David Bowie was made a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, and received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music.
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2002: 100 Greatest Britons
In the BBC's 2002 poll of the 100 Greatest Britons, David Bowie was ranked 29th.
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2004: 100 Greatest Artists
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked David Bowie 39th on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
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2005: Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction
David Bowie was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.
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February 2006: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
On February 8, 2006, David Bowie was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
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2006: Greatest Living British Icon
In 2006, David Bowie was voted the fourth greatest living British icon in a poll by the BBC's Culture Show.
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October 2013: Named best-dressed Briton in history
In October 2013, David Bowie was named the best-dressed Briton in history by a BBC History Magazine poll.
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2013: Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame Induction
In 2013, David Bowie was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
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2014: Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist
In 2014, David Bowie won the Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist, collected on his behalf by Kate Moss.
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2016: Brits Icon Award
In 2016, David Bowie was posthumously given the Brits Icon award for his "lasting impact on British culture".
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2017: Bowie wins five Grammy Awards
At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017, David Bowie posthumously won all five of his nominated awards, including Best Rock Performance and Best Alternative Music Album.
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2022: Most Influential Artist in Britain
In 2022, Sky Arts ranked David Bowie the most influential artist in Britain of the last 50 years.
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2023: Greatest Singers of All Time
In 2023, David Bowie ranked 32nd on the Rolling Stone list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
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