David Bowie was a visionary musician, actor, and artist. Born David Jones in 1947 in London, he began playing piano, ukulele, and guitar at a young age, though his voice was considered “adequate” by his choir teacher. He formed his first band in the '60s and changed his name to David Bowie to avoid confusion with Davy Jones (lead singer of The Monkees). Bowie dabbled in different musical styles and art forms including painting, playwriting, and mime.