David Bowie had a long and prolific career as a musician, releasing over two dozen studio albums and countless other singles, compilations, and collaborations over the course of more than five decades. During his career, Bowie had numerous hit songs that became classics and established him as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of his time.
It is difficult to pin down an exact number of hit songs that Bowie had during his career, as the definition of a “hit” can vary depending on the context. However, there are several songs that are widely recognized as some of Bowie’s most successful and iconic hits.
Bowie’s first number one hit was “Space Oddity,” which was released in 1969. The song tells the story of an astronaut named Major Tom who becomes lost in space, and its haunting melody and imaginative lyrics captured the public’s imagination and established Bowie as a unique and visionary songwriter.
Other early hits for Bowie included “Changes,” “Life on Mars?” and “Ziggy Stardust,” all of which were released in the early 1970s. These songs helped to establish Bowie as a major force in music, and his flamboyant and androgynous style made him a cultural icon.
Bowie continued to release hit songs throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with songs like “Heroes,” “Let’s Dance,” and “Modern Love” becoming popular and enduring classics. Bowie’s ability to constantly reinvent himself and experiment with different musical styles and genres helped to keep his music fresh and exciting, and his collaborations with other artists like Queen, Mick Jagger, and Iggy Pop only added to his popularity.
In addition to his solo work, Bowie also had numerous hits as a member of various groups and collaborations. He was a member of the band Tin Machine in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and their self-titled album and subsequent tour were both commercial successes. Bowie also collaborated with other musicians and artists throughout his career, including Brian Eno, Lou Reed, and Nine Inch Nails, among others.
Bowie’s final album, “Blackstar,” was released just two days before his death in 2016. The album was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, and it helped to solidify Bowie’s status as a musical legend and icon.
Overall, it is difficult to determine an exact number of hit songs that David Bowie had during his career, as his impact and influence went far beyond just the commercial success of his music. However, it is clear that Bowie had numerous hits that continue to be beloved and celebrated by fans around the world. His innovative and forward-thinking approach to music helped to shape the course of popular music for decades to come, and his legacy as an artist and cultural icon continues to inspire and captivate new generations of fans.