Blackstar is the 26th and final studio album by the English musician David Bowie. Released on 8 January 2016, Bowie's 69th birthday, the album was recorded in secret in New York City with his longtime co-producer Tony Visconti and a group of local jazz musicians: Donny McCaslin, Jason Lindner, Tim Lefebvre and Mark Guiliana. The album contains re-recorded versions of two songs, "Sue " and "'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore", both of which were originally released in 2014. More experimental than its predecessor The Next Day (2013), the music on Blackstar combines atmospheric art rock with various styles of jazz. Bowie took inspiration from artists including Kendrick Lamar and Death Grips, listening to them during the album's production. The cover art, designed by Jonathan Barnbrook, features a large black star with five star segments at the bottom that spell out the word "BOWIE".
The backing band on Blackstar. Top: Donny McCaslin, Jason Lindner Bottom: Tim Lefebvre, Mark Guiliana
Ben Monder joined the band for the March sessions as an additional guitarist.
James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem played percussion on "Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)" and "Girl Loves Me".
Jonathan Barnbrook designed the album's artwork.
David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie, was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Bowie was acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his innovative work during the 1970s. His career was marked by reinvention and visual presentation, and his music and stagecraft had a significant impact on popular music.
Bowie in 2002
Plaque at Trident Studios in London marking where Bowie recorded six albums between 1969 and 1974
Bowie and Tony Defries at Andy Warhol's Pork at London's Roundhouse in 1971
Bowie during the Ziggy Stardust Tour, 1972–1973