Producer of David Bowie reflects on their last chilling conversation

When David Bowie passed away from liver cancer in 2016 at the age of 69, it was evident that he was not prepared to say goodbye to this world. Despite his illness, Bowie still held onto hopes and plans for the future, as revealed by his final conversation with his longtime producer, Tony Visconti, just before his death.

Visconti, who had been working with Bowie since 1968 and produced his final album “Blackstar,” shared the poignant moment when Bowie confided in him. “He said, ‘I’ve got something to tell you,'” Visconti recounted. “And he was whispering to me on the phone. I said, ‘I can’t hear you. Speak up!’ He goes into another room, and he says, ‘I’m going to be a grandfather.'”

The news of becoming a grandfather was a source of joy for Bowie as he eagerly awaited the arrival of his first grandchild from his son Duncan Jones. Unfortunately, Bowie did not live to see his grandson, Stenton David Jones, named after Bowie’s birth name, David Robert Jones.

Before his passing, Bowie expressed his desire to work on another album. “He told me that he was going to make another album he started writing,” Visconti revealed. “But that was the last time I ever heard from him.”

The relationship between Visconti and Bowie dated back to the ’60s when they first met in London. Visconti, who was American, introduced Bowie to a love for American music, which played a significant role in their friendship and professional collaboration. They worked together on several albums, including Bowie’s self-titled album in 1969, “The Man Who Sold the World” in 1970, and the soulful “Young Americans” in 1975.

“Young Americans,” Bowie’s departure from his previous style, marked a significant shift in his music career. Visconti noted that Bowie was not one to repeat himself and always sought to evolve artistically, even if it meant taking risks. This willingness to change and explore new sounds led to the creation of timeless music that continues to inspire new generations.

While Bowie may have left this world physically, his music and spirit live on. Visconti believes that Bowie’s legacy will endure as new listeners discover his work and find inspiration in his groundbreaking sound. Bowie’s impact on music and culture is undeniable, ensuring that he will always be remembered as a visionary artist who pushed the boundaries of creativity.