THE ROCK & ROLL ARCHIVE | David Bowie | The Complete History of David Robert Jones

The Complete History of David Robert Jones

Chapter One

1947–1959

The Making of David Bowie

From Brixton Boy to South London Dreamer

Introduction

Before the world knew him as David Bowie, he was David Robert Jones, a bright, curious and imaginative boy growing up in post-war South London.

Long before Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, the Thin White Duke or his reinventions as one of popular music's greatest innovators, Bowie was a child fascinated by music, art, cinema, science fiction and performance.

The foundations of his extraordinary creativity were laid during his early years in Brixton and Bromley, shaped by a loving family, an older half-brother whose influence would prove profound, and a London emerging from the hardships of the Second World War.

This chapter explores David Robert Jones' childhood, family background and the experiences that helped create one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century.

Quick Facts

Birth Name

David Robert Jones

Born

8 January 1947

Birthplace

Brixton

Parents

Margaret Mary "Peggy" Jones (née Burns)

Haywood Stenton Jones

Occupation of Father

Promotions officer for the children's charity Dr Barnardo's.

Occupation of Mother

Cinema usher before marriage.

Britain in 1947

David Robert Jones entered the world only eighteen months after the end of the Second World War.

Britain was still rebuilding.

Food rationing remained in force.

Bomb sites were common across London.

Entire communities were recovering from wartime destruction, yet the city remained a vibrant centre of music, theatre and popular culture.

The Britain Bowie inherited was one of optimism mixed with hardship—a country preparing for enormous social change.

Birth in Brixton

David Robert Jones was born on 8 January 1947 at Stansfield Road, Brixton.

Although often described simply as "born in Brixton", his family soon moved south to Bromley, where he would spend much of his childhood.

Today, Brixton proudly celebrates its famous son through the internationally recognised Bowie mural and annual commemorations.

His Parents

Margaret Mary "Peggy" Jones

Peggy was born in Kent to Irish immigrant parents.

She possessed a warm personality and encouraged creativity within the family.

Friends later recalled her sense of humour and unwavering support for David throughout his early ambitions.

Haywood Stenton John Jones

Haywood worked for Dr Barnardo's, eventually becoming a promotions officer.

His employment introduced young David to charity events, publicity material and organisational life.

Although reserved compared with his son, Haywood provided stability during Bowie's childhood.

A Blended Family

David was an only child of Peggy and Haywood together, but the family already included children from previous relationships.

Most significant was his older half-brother:

Terry Burns

Born almost sixteen years before David, Terry possessed an extraordinary love of literature, Beat poetry, modern jazz and experimental music.

He introduced David to:

• Modern Jazz

• Charles Mingus

• John Coltrane

• Beat Generation writers

• Buddhism

• Modern art

• Avant-garde thinking

Many historians regard Terry as one of the greatest intellectual influences on Bowie's early life.

David later acknowledged that Terry opened doors into worlds he would never otherwise have discovered.

Tragically, Terry struggled for many years with severe mental illness and was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia.

His life—and eventual death in 1985—deeply affected Bowie and influenced songs including "All the Madmen," "Jump They Say," and themes explored throughout his career.

Growing Up in Bromley

The Jones family settled in the suburb of Bromley, then part of Kent and now within Greater London.

Unlike central London, Bromley offered tree-lined streets, schools and a quieter suburban environment.

Yet London itself was always nearby.

The city's theatres, museums, cinemas and music venues would soon become David's classroom.

Discovering Music

Even as a young child, David displayed remarkable curiosity.

He loved:

• Drawing

• Reading

• Comic books

• Adventure stories

• Science fiction

• Music

• Performing

His parents noticed that he was fascinated by sound.

Records played constantly at home.

American popular music was beginning to filter into Britain through radio broadcasts and imported recordings.

The seeds had been planted.

The Britain That Inspired Him

During the 1950s Britain experienced dramatic cultural change.

Young people discovered:

• American Rock & Roll

• Jazz

• Skiffle

• Blues

• Hollywood cinema

• Television

Artists such as Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Chuck Berry would soon transform popular music and inspire thousands of British teenagers—including David Robert Jones.

Education

David attended Burnt Ash Junior School, where teachers quickly recognised both his intelligence and artistic talent.

He excelled in:

• Art

• Music

• Design

Teachers described him as imaginative and highly original.

Even at an early age he enjoyed entertaining classmates and experimenting with different personas.

These qualities would become central to his future career.

Rock Timeline: 1947–1959

Key Events

1947

• David Robert Jones is born in Brixton on 8 January.

Early 1950s

• Family settles in Bromley.

1954–1956

• Rock & Roll arrives in Britain through imported American records.

1956

• Elvis Presley's breakthrough inspires a generation of British teenagers.

Late 1950s

• David develops an interest in music, art and performance.

Why These Years Matter

Many legendary musicians discover fame before discovering themselves.

David Robert Jones was different.

Before becoming a songwriter, singer or performer, he became an observer.

His childhood nurtured an endless curiosity about people, identity, fashion, literature and visual art.

Those interests would later distinguish him from almost every other rock star of his generation.

Did You Know?

David's fascination with constantly changing his image began long before fame. School friends remembered him experimenting with clothes, hairstyles and artistic ideas years before the world met Ziggy Stardust.

📍 Where Rock History Happened

Brixton

What happened here?

David Robert Jones was born here on 8 January 1947, beginning the life of the future David Bowie.

Still standing?

✔ Yes.

Can you visit today?

Absolutely. Brixton remains one of London's most important music destinations and is home to the celebrated Bowie mural.

Nearest Underground

Brixton Station.

Featured Tour

🎸 Magical Music Tours – David Bowie Walking Tour

Visit Brixton, discover Bowie's early story and explore the places that shaped one of Britain's greatest musical pioneers before following his journey into Soho, the West End and beyond.

Essential Listening

Although Bowie would not release music until the 1960s, these artists shaped the musical landscape of his childhood:

• Elvis Presley

• Little Richard

• Chuck Berry

• Lonnie Donegan

• Charles Mingus

Next Chapter

1960–1965

The Birth of David Bowie

Discover David Robert Jones' school years, the formation of The Konrads, The King Bees, The Manish Boys and The Lower Third, his first managers, the move into Soho's vibrant music scene, his adoption of the name David Bowie, and the beginnings of one of rock music's most extraordinary careers.

Featured Tour

🎸 Magical Music Tours – David Bowie Walking Tour

Visit Brixton, discover Bowie's early story and explore the places that shaped one of Britain's greatest musical pioneers before following his journey into Soho, the West End and beyond.

📆 Check the calander for availible times and dates.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒 If you wish to book a PRIVATE TOUR please email for details.