Recording Academy Issues Statement on Passing of David Bowie

Earlier today, BWW reported the sad news that legendary singer, songwriter and actor David Bowie has passed away following a long battle with cancer. He was 69.

The news was shared on Bowie's official Facebook : January 10 2016 - David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy during their time of grief.

Bowie is survived by his wife, supermodel Iman, their child Alexandria "Lexi" Zahra Jones, and his son Duncan, from his first marriage to Angela Bowie.

Bowie's latest album BLACKSTAR released last month on Iso/Columbia Records in various formats. The New York Theatre Workshop is currently presenting David Bowie's Lazarus by David Bowie and Enda Walsh (Once, Tony Award).The show is inspired by the novel The Man Who Fell to Earth by Walter Tevis and directed by Ivo van Hove.Lazarus began previews on November 18 and officially opened on December 7, 2015 and runs through January 20, 2016.

The Recording Academy has issued the following statement on Bowie's passing:
Jan. 11, 2016

David Bowie was truly a Renaissance man and visionary artist with extraordinary talent as a singer, songwriter, performer, actor and producer, and was a musical hero to millions. A GRAMMY® Award Winner and a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, he is remembered and celebrated today for his audacious approach to pushing creative boundaries and ability to reinvent himself time and time again, changing the course of pop music in the process. David was a true original who influenced so many and his art will live on forever. We offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends, creative collaborators and to all of David's fans across the globe.

Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy