Music Legend, Activist and Pioneer David Bowie Loses Battle to Cancer at 69

Photo: AP PHOTO

Last night, just after the wrapping up of the Golden Globes, the world suffered a tragic loss.

Several media outlets began posting the terrible news that David Bowie had died of cancer. It was then confirmed by the artist's official Twitter and Facebook pages:

For many, it did not feel fully real until Bowie's son, Duncan Jones, confirmed it on his Twitter page alongside a beautiful old photo of the two together.

To say that this is a loss to the music world is an understatement. Bowie was unparalleled.

But, in addition to his extraordinary and rare musical talent, Bowie was a trailblazer in other respects.

A strong activist, Bowie helped raise huge amounts of money for several AIDS foundations during and after the 1980's AIDS crisis.

For many, he was also the first androgynous or gender-bending person they'd ever seen. Hugely ahead of his time, he wore what he wanted and did what he wanted, regardless of traditional gender roles or stereoptypes.

He forced people to think about things differently, and, in choosing to be his authentic self and blaze his own trail, he inspired millions to do the same.

He will be dearly missed.