Mick Ronson Knocks Us Out.
You may well have listened to David Bowie records like Ziggy Stardust and wondered how an artist could achieve such musical godhead. Well, talented though Bowie was (and is), he had help. And during his most fertile period -- the glam-rocking days of the early-to-mid-'70s -- he got a ton of help from guitarist-arranger-backup singer-heartthrob Mick Ronson.
A native of Hull, England, Mick hooked up with Bowie in '70, having been recruited into the protean rocker's band The Hype. He infused Bowie's fungible blend of pop, folk and psychedelia with a gritty, quasi-metallic edge, first captured in the studio during the sessions for The Man Who Sold the World.
But Ronson showcased far more versatility in the making of 1971's classic Hunky Dory, crafting orchestral arrangements that gave Bowie's songs an epic sweep.
Then came Ziggy; Mick's indelible guitar heroics and regal rock-star presence were indispensable in creating both a seminal album and a formidable live band. Aladdin Sane and Pin-Ups, meanwhile, are unthinkable without his scorching leads.
Here's a generous helping of Mick on guitar.
Got it? Good.
The man also worked with Bowie on Lou Reed's Transformer, made a stack of great records with Ian Hunter, and created some very expressive, beautiful pop music as a solo artist. And more besides. He was taken from us too soon, but he made an incredible mark.
Worn Free is proud indeed to feature three designs originally worn by Mick Ronson: Guam, Manny's and Zaire '74 (this last commemorating the "Rumble in the Jungle" bout between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman). May we humbly recommend them to the glam fanatic in your life?
