“David ain’t from here”: Nina Simone on the artistry of David Bowie
Before the moon landing in 1969, David Bowie aestheticised space and science fiction, even if it shoehorned his vision into some strange niche category. Before his popular hit ‘Space Oddity’ graced the airwaves, space was his commodity, a plaything he moulded to suit his artistic characterisation. Soon enough, however, otherworldly themes became his livelihood.
The space race was not the only thing that contributed to Bowie’s blurring of the lines between reality and fiction. Everything about him – from his music to his image – represented the outsider in ways that beckoned celebration. At the time, The Beatles’ uniform image spoke to stylised presentation in a more formal way, while outfits like The Rolling Stones looked to counter that with a more rock ‘n’ roll edge.
Bowie, on the other hand, was caught altering the course of monochrome broadcasting and introducing a unique set of technicolour to the stale rock world, setting the scene for the glam rock movement that would follow suit. As a result of his oddities, however, Bowie was branded by himself and others as an alien entity who had been sent down to Earth to deliver an important message.
Aside from the obvious connections with space and extra-terrestrial life in terms of the fantastical side of things, Bowie was also likened to a different life-form due to his ability to craft—pun intended—out-of-this-world compositions. Although his various personas leaned into the prospect head-on, Bowie approached music like a science project, dabbling in experimentalism and playing on expectations to deliver songs that challenged perceptions.
He also drew other musicians in and attempted to soothe their troubles by letting them know they were not alone. If he saw someone feeling held down by the pressures of the industry, he was quick to remind them that their unique artistry was a strength, not a burden. At least, this is how his friendship with Nina Simone started: after attending the same member’s club one night, he called her up to remind her of her power.
As Simone recalled, “He said, ‘The first thing I want you to know is that you’re not crazy—don’t let anybody tell you you’re crazy, because where you’re coming from, there are very few of us out there’.”
Bowie went on to describe her as “gifted”, telling her that her “genius overshadows the money”. He also admitted that he was never a genius, he just wanted to be a “rock and roll singer” who found out “the right formula”. In his view, Simone was the real deal whose artistry deserved to be shared with the world. Afterwards, Simone found Bowie to be the most authentic person she ever crossed paths with.
“He’s got more sense than anybody I’ve ever known,” she explained. “It’s not human—David ain’t from here.”
Although the ‘Starman’ would later pay homage to Simone by recording a version of ‘Wild Is The Wind’, it’s clear that he regarded her as a true visionary. In his eyes, the world needed her artistry more than it needed his science fiction-infused creativity, and he was keen to draw it out of her with positive encouragement and uplifting compliments. Bowie may have frequented the stars, but to him, Simone was the North Star.
