Steve Wood\/Daily Express\/Hulton Archive, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> David Bowie didn\u2019t invent glam rock, but he certainly perfected it. While some of his early work hinted towards glam, he didn\u2019t really make the transformation until his groundbreaking 1972 album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust<\/em> and the Spiders from Mars<\/em><\/a>. Mixing elements of art rock and pop music with theatrical\u00a0influences and sci-fi themes, Bowie boldly created a whole new world. His Ziggy Stardust persona came with colorful costumes, bright makeup and fabulous live shows, all of which played a massive part in the glam movement.<\/p>\n Of course, none of this would have mattered without the music. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars<\/em> was loaded with incredible tracks, including such classics as \u201cStarman\u201d and \u201cSuffragette City.\u201d It was the album that brought glam rock to the masses, making it a mainstream genre wordwide.<\/p>\n During this time, Bowie embraced an androgynous identity. The rocker pushed boundaries of art and gender, establishing himself as a fearless creative force. His glam rock period would continue through Aladdin Sane<\/a><\/em> (1973) and Diamond Dogs<\/a><\/em> (1974), another two of his most celebrated albums. More than a musician, Bowie was a rock icon and the figurehead of the glam movement.<\/p>\n Hulton Archive, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> While Bowie was the genre\u2019s biggest star, he was not glam rock\u2019s first<\/em> star. That honor is generally reserved for Marc Bolan<\/a>, the dynamic frontman of pioneering glam rock group T. Rex<\/a>.<\/p>\n After evolving from early folk rock beginnings, Bolan and his band developed a style that incorporated elements of psychedelic rock and pop music. Powered by driving rhythms, powerful riffs and incredibly catchy melodies, T. Rex helped define the sound of glam. Their 1971 album Electric Warrior<\/em> is regarded as the genre\u2019s breakthrough release, a captivating LP featuring the swaggering hit \u201cGet It On.\u201d<\/p>\n Bolan\u2019s personal style was also integral to the growth of glam rock. From his wild fashion sense, to his glittery makeup, the singer embodied the genre\u2019s otherworldly allure. While Bolan and Bowie were close friends, they also had a fierce rivalry (Bowie\u2019s Ziggy-era song \u201cLady Stardust,\u201d is widely considered to be about Bolan). Still, it was Bolan who initially became the face of glam rock, especially in the U.K. Without his inspiration, it\u2019s possible Bowie never would have taken the giant leap to Iggy Stardust.<\/p>\n P. Felix\/Daily Express\/Hulton Archive, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> While much of the glam movement was emanating from the U.K., New York Dolls<\/a> led the charge on American soil. With a raw, more punk-like sound than their English counterparts, the Dolls delivered a distinctive brand of glam that fused theatrics with classic blues rock influences.<\/p>\n Wild clothing was certainly part of the group\u2019s attraction, with high heels, teased hair, bright makeup and gender-bending outfits all part of their look. It wasn\u2019t uncommon to see frontman David Johansen<\/a> donning spandex, stockings or lingerie onstage.<\/p>\n The New York Dolls were shocking for their time \u2013 bold, provocative and overflowing with charisma. Their 1973 self-titled album remains a massively influential release, impacting both the glam and punk sub-genres.<\/p>\n Brian Cooke\/Redferns, Getty Images<\/span><\/p> Roxy Music<\/a> offered the thinking man\u2019s glam. The key elements of the movement remained \u2013 wild fashion, brash personalities, theatrical stage shows and an otherworldly element. But they augmented this with a sophisticated, art rock style that separated Roxy Music from anything.<\/p>\n Led by Bryan Ferry<\/a> \u2013 an art teacher-turned musician who wielded a keen sense of imagination \u2013 Roxy Music was boldly experimental in everything from the clothes they wore to the multi-layered instrumentation of their songs. The band\u2019s 1972 self-titled debut album expertly blended futuristic electronics with classic rock influences.<\/p>\n Follow-up For Your Pleasure<\/em> pushed things even further, mixing upbeat tunes with dark, atmospheric pieces. showed that glam could be intellectually daring as well as exciting. Brian Eno<\/a> \u2013 the band\u2019s synthesizer player \u2013 became known for his vastly experimental ideas, helping shape Roxy Music as one of the era\u2019s most innovative acts. He departed after the second LP, but the band\u2019s legacy was already cemented.<\/p>\n David Bowie is not just rock\u2019s greatest chameleon; he’s also one of music\u2019s most imaginative conceptual artists.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Bryan Wawzenek<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDavid Bowie<\/h3>\n
T. Rex<\/h3>\n
New York Dolls<\/h3>\n
Roxy Music<\/h3>\n
David Bowie Albums Ranked<\/h2>\n