David Bowie hits the big 65 today

David Bowie turns 65 today (January 8, 2012). Happy birthday David Bowie, you may officially retire (but please don't).

Bowie was born David Robert Jones in the London suburb of Brixton on this day in 1947. He changed his name to Bowie because there was already a famous Davy Jones before him in The Monkees.

Few would argue David Bowie is the greatest solo male performer of the rock era with personas like Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke and classics from 1969's 'Space Oddity' through to his most recent albums 'Heathen' (2002) and 'Reality' (2003).

David Bowie has remained low-key since collapsing on stage in Norway on June 18, 2004 from a blocked artery. He has been rarely seen in public since his heart surgery but has occasionally worked on projects like 'Shrek 2', vocals for a track for the 2005 movie 'Stealth' and backing vocals on a TV On The Radio song titled 'Province'.

Bowie has not released an album since 'Reality'. Hopefully reaching retirement age will inspire him to get out of retirement.

Happy birthday David Bowie.