Top 10 Music Artists that Were Influenced by David Bowie

1. The Smiths

   

   The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982. The band consisted of vocalist Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke, and drummer Mike Joyce. They became one of the most influential bands of the 1980s, known for their distinct blend of jangly guitar pop and introspective... read more

   It's obvious that David Bowie influenced them. They performed alternative rock, which David Bowie also did.

2. Talking Heads

   

   Talking Heads were an American rock band formed in 1975 in New York City and active until 1991. The band comprised David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and Jerry Harrison. They helped pioneer new wave music and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

   They cite David Bowie as among their biggest influences.

3. Joy Division

   

   Joy Division was an English post‑punk band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. They originally used the name Warsaw. The quartet comprised Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar. Keyboards), Peter Hook (bass), and Stephen Morris (drums). The band became influential despite their brief... read more

   He influenced them to continue.

4. Radiohead

   

   Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Philip Selway, and Ed O'Brien.

   Known for their experimentation and sonic evolution, they rose to international prominence with OK Computer and continued... read more

   One of their biggest influences was David Bowie, who made them want to pursue music as a band.

5. Nine Inch Nails

   

   Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock band founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. They have released eleven studio albums.

   The band is known for its dark, moody lyricism and aggressive vocal delivery. Their biggest hits include "Closer," "Hurt," "Wish," "We're in This Together... read more

   They follow in the footsteps of David Bowie in terms of versatility.

6. Nirvana

   

   Nirvana was an American grunge band formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. The band consisted of Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), and Dave Grohl (drums), who joined in 1990. Nirvana disbanded following Cobain's death by suicide in 1994.... read more

   He was one of their major influences, along with the Gap Band. They produced some of the most significant rock and metal music of all time. Rest in peace, Chester Bennington (1976-2017).

7. The Cure

   

   The Cure are an English post-punk and gothic rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1976. The band has undergone numerous lineup changes, with vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter Robert Smith remaining the only consistent member. They are known for hits such as Just Like Heaven and Lovesong... read more

   They employ new wave and alternative rock, all of which David Bowie also performed.

8. Pixies

   

   The Pixies are an American alternative rock band formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. The group disbanded in 1993 but reunited in 2004. The current lineup includes founding members Black Francis, Joey Santiago, and David Lovering, along with bassist Emma Richardson, who replaced Paz Lenchantin in... read more

   Their genres include alternative and indie rock and punk rock, all of which David Bowie also performed. They also play surf rock, indicating they were influenced by Dick Dale, as well as noise pop. This all shows versatility.

9. Jane's Addiction

   

   Jane's Addiction was an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1985. The band consisted of vocalist Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins, and bassist Chris Chaney. They were considered pioneers of the alternative rock movement of the early 1990s.

   In the realm of alternative rock, they cite David Bowie as a major influence.

10. Depeche Mode

    

    Depeche Mode are an English electronic and synth-pop band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The original lineup included Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher, and Vince Clarke. They are known for helping pioneer electronic music and have sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Harry Styles

    

    Harry Edward Styles is an English singer and songwriter. He initially gained fame as a member of the boy band One Direction. He has since launched a successful solo career with the albums Harry Styles, Fine Line, Harry's House, and Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, producing global hits such as... read more

12. ?

    Oingo Boingo

    
The Contenders

13. Madonna

    

    Madonna Louise Ciccone, known professionally as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She has influenced many artists, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyoncé Knowles, and Britney Spears. Often referred to as the "Queen of Pop," she has played a significant... read more

    She was clearly influenced by David Bowie and wanted to continue making music with great versatility. She has reinvented styles and remains the queen of pop and reinvention to this day.

14. Lady Gaga

    

    Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress.

    Early in her career, she performed at Lollapalooza on August 4, 2007, as part of "Lady Gaga & The Starlight Revue," where she was noticed by Interscope Records executive Vincent... read more

15. Kylie Minogue

    

    Kylie Ann Minogue is an Australian-British singer and actress. She first gained recognition starring in the Australian soap opera Neighbours as Charlene Robinson. Minogue later transitioned to music and became a pop icon, known for hits like Can't Get You Out of My Head and Spinning Around.... read more

    She cites David Bowie as one of the major influences on her music.

16. Prince

    

    Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016) was an American musician, widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential artists of the 1980s. He was known for his eclectic musical style, flamboyant stage presence, and mastery of multiple instruments. Some of his most iconic songs include... read more

    One of his influences was David Bowie, and he followed Bowie's style of dance. He also added more sounds to create the Minneapolis sound. Rest in peace (1958-2016).

17. Queen

    

    Queen is an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar). Before Queen, May and Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury, a fan... read more

18. Moby

    

    Moby is an American musician known for his inventive contributions to various subgenres of electronic music, drawing inspiration from 1950s gospel, modern rock, and artists like New Order and David Bowie.

    He first gained mainstream recognition with the club hit "Go!" and went on to produce retro-80s... read more

    The two were very close friends. In fact, when I listen to Moby's more psychedelic music, it's difficult not to make a comparison.

19. Bjork

    

    Björk Guðmundsdóttir (born November 21, 1965) is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, and actress. Over her four-decade career, she has developed a unique and eclectic musical style that incorporates elements from electronic, pop, jazz, experimental, trip hop, alternative,... read more

20. Marilyn Manson

    

    Brian Hugh Warner (born January 5, 1969), better known by his stage name Marilyn Manson, is an American rock musician, songwriter, actor, painter, multimedia artist, author, and former music journalist. He is the lead singer and only constant member of the band Marilyn Manson, which he formed in 1989... read more

21. Michael Jackson

    

    Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

    He was heavily influenced by David Bowie and continued to make music until his death. He surpassed David in quality and became the king of pop. Rest in peace (1958-2009).

22. Ariana Grande

    

    Ariana Grande‑Butera (born June 26, 1993) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Her four‑octave vocal range has earned widespread critical praise, and her personal life continues to attract significant media attention. She has received numerous honors, including two Grammy Awards, a Brit Award... read more

    He was one of the many artists who influenced Ariana Grande to make music.

23. Sophie Xeon

    

    Sophie Xeon (September 17, 1986 - January 30, 2021), best known as SOPHIE, was a Scottish music producer, songwriter, and DJ.

    She was best known for her work with artists such as Charli XCX, A.G. Cook, Madonna, and Kim Petras, and for helping to define the hyperpop genre.

    A second album,... read more

24. Amanda Lear

    

    Amanda Lear is a French singer, songwriter, painter, television presenter, actress, and former model. She rose to international prominence as a captivating disco queen in the mid-1970s with infectious hits like Blood and Honey. Before dominating the dance floor, she famously served as a close confidante... read more

    She was highly influenced by him and continued to embrace his versatility.

25. Raffaella Carrà

    

26. Pet Shop Boys

    

    Pet Shop Boys are an English synth-pop duo formed in London in 1981. The group consists of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. They are known for hits such as West End Girls, It's a Sin, and Always on My Mind.

    They employ synth-pop, which David Bowie pioneered.

27. Declan McKenna

    His biggest influence was David Bowie.