David Bowie, the global phenomenon recognized all over the world for his legendary look and sound, passed away Jan. 10 . He succumbed to an 18-month battle with cancer, dying peacefully in his sleep only two days after his 69th birthday.

Just last week on January 7, Bowie release a futuristic and eerie music video for his new song, “Lazarus.” His 25th and final album, Black Star, was released on January 8.

The English-born singer rose to stardom at a young age, becoming an instant icon for his instrumental sound and androgynous appearance.

People all over the world have attempted to emulate his flamboyant alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. Stardust was the first of many alter egos Bowie, born David Jones, would adopt which also included Aladdin Sane, Halloween Jack, and The Thing White Duke.  Bowie/Stardust took the early 1970s by storm with the release of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

One of his first mega hits was the 1969 rock-and -roll classic, “Space Oddity.” The opening line, “Ground Control to Major Tom,” is arguably one of his most recognized lyrics.

From “Changes”, which appeared on Hunky Dory to his Berlin trilogy which gave the world “Heroes,”  Bowie continued to defy expectations and quickly rose to stardom embodying what it means to be a rockstar.

He later on became a record producer, working with other artists in attempts to innovate new music.

Bowie was unafraid to branch out of the music industry. From The Man Who Fell from Earth to Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ, Bowie dabbled in film. His most well-known role was playing the Goblin King in Jim Henson’s cult classic The Labyrinth. Bowie also performed in The Elephant Man on Broandway and wrote the music for Lazarus which was playing off-Broadway at the time of his death.

Bowie repeatedly pushed the envelope when it came to challenging conformity through pop culture and fashion and he should be remembered for his immense talent while remaining true to himself on his journey through stardom.