BBC Local Radio and The British Plaque Trust today unveiled the BBC Music Day Blue Plaque that commemorates David Bowie. The blue plaque honouring David Bowie was unveiled outside Trident Studios in St Anne’s Court, Soho where Bowie recorded the legendary albums Hunky Dory and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust.
BBC Radio London presenter Robert Elms said: “David Bowie is one of our most shining sons, and it is fitting that we should honour him here in Soho, the centre of our creative world.”
David Bowie’s was unveiled by singer songwriter Billy Bragg and Bowie’s lifelong friend, painter and designer George Underwood, who also designed some of his album covers.
Billy Bragg said: “David Bowie was the greatest of the London boys that came out of the 60s. In 1971 he turned into something strange and curious – Ziggy Stardust. It’s great to commemorate this spot with a blue plaque, so that everyone who loves these records can gaze up in wonder at Trident Studios.”
George Underwood said: “I remember going in and out of Trident Studios when David was recording, as he often liked company in the studio. Knowing David he would be pleased about the plaque, but he would also make a witty remark about it! I’m sure he’d be very chuffed.”
David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie, was an English singer, songwriter and actor. He was a figure in popular music for over five decades, becoming acclaimed by critics and other musicians for his innovative work. He died on 10 January 2016.
During his lifetime, his record sales, estimated at 140 million worldwide, made him one of the world's best-selling music artists. In the UK, he was awarded nine platinum album certifications, eleven gold and eight silver, releasing eleven number-one albums. In the US, he received five platinum and seven gold certifications. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
The initiative is part of BBC Music Day on Thursday 15 June, a UK-wide annual celebration of music that aims to unite communities and generations through their love of music. BBC Local Radio, the BBC Asian Network and the British Plaque Trust have announced that there will be 47 new blue plaques to commemorate people or places that have influenced the musical landscape across the country. Singers, musicians, song-writers, producers and broadcasters, as well as significant locations that played a major role in our musical heritage, will be commemorated with the plaques.
Further information is available on the BBC Music Day http://www.bbc.co.uk/musicday
