David Bowie inspired Fresno artist

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The music world is mourning the loss of rock icon David Bowie. Bowie died of cancer Sunday at the age of 69.

David Bowie has inspired generations of performers. His music moved Astrid Plane-Sasso to leave home when she was 20 to pursue her own musical dreams. Astrid explained, "I was kind of a rebel because I knew I had to do "Rebel, rebel." I had to do something with my life. I couldn't just stay in this tiny town in England."

Astrid sang with Animotion in the mid-1980's. Their big hit was "Obsession." Plane-Sasso still record music but is also a vocal teacher at The Voice Shop in Fresno's Tower District.

Watching David Bowie in concert left Astrid in awe. "It was just his artistry. The way he, he was a performance artist. He wasn't just a musician." Bowie's androgynous appeal paved the way for many other artists but it wasn't just the look. Astrid said, "He had the goods to back it up."

Valley fans enjoyed a1978 David Bowie concert in Fresno. Bowie released hundreds of 45s and albums.

Shane Davis at Vintage Vinyl in old town Clovis said teenagers still buy his albums. Davis said, "He was very artistic. He was creative." David Bowie never stopped working - releasing his latest CD just a few days ago.

That CD "Blackstar" was now being called Bowie's parting gift. His music downloads have spiked on iTunes and Spotify.