David Bowie from a decade-long recording hiatus with "The Next Day." He remained musically active until he died of liver cancer two days after the release of his final album, "Blackstar" (2016). Bowie was born David Robert Jones on 8 January 1947 in Brixton, London. His mother, Margaret Mary "Peggy" (née Burns; 1913–2001), was born at Shorncliffe Army Camp near Cheriton, Kent. Her paternal grandparents were Irish immigrants who had settled in Manchester. She worked as a waitress at a cinema in Royal Tunbridge Wells. His father, Haywood Stenton "John" Jones (1912–1969), was from Doncaster, and worked as a promotions officer for
Rare (David Bowie album) Rare (David Bowie album) Rare (often known as Bowie Rare) was a compilation released by RCA Records to cash in on David Bowie for the 1982 Christmas market. The artist's relations with the company were at a low – Bowie had recorded his last music for RCA with the "Baal EP", and had been annoyed by the release of a five-year-old duet with Bing Crosby ("Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy") as a single without his consultation. Bowie let it be known he was unhappy with the "Rare" package, and would sign with EMI for his next album. All of the