David Bowie's Musical Homages: Songs Written for Icons

David Bowie, the iconic musician, not only performed his own songs but also wrote songs for other musicians. Some of these songs may surprise you. One such song is "Song For Bob Dylan," a folk rock tribute to Bob Dylan. Bowie's homage to Dylan's unique voice and style is evident in this early 1970s composition, which references Dylan's own song "Song To Woody." The song is a nod to the folk icon's influence on Bowie's music.
Another lesser-known song written by David Bowie is "Queen B*tch," a tribute to The Velvet Underground. This glam rock track from the album Hunky Dory showcases Bowie's admiration for the genre-bending music of The Velvet Underground. With its proto-punk flair and guitar-driven sound, "Queen B*tch" pays homage to drag queens and the underground scene of the time.
"The Jean Genie" is a song by David Bowie that was inspired by The Stooges, particularly Iggy Pop. Bowie and Iggy Pop were close friends in the 1970s, and Bowie wrote this song as a tribute to Pop's persona and Americana influence. The song became a hit in the UK and showcases Bowie's ability to capture the essence of his musical contemporaries in his songwriting.
These songs highlight David Bowie's versatility as a songwriter and his ability to pay tribute to his musical influences. From folk rock to glam rock, Bowie's compositions for other musicians showcase his admiration for iconic figures in the music industry.