On Track with Bowie Author Don Klees

In this interview, I talk with author Don Klees about his book On Track: David Bowie, 1983–2016, which covers the later period of Bowie's career—the era that holds special meaning for both of us as fans who followed Bowie's work in real time. Don explains that he was drawn to this era not just because of personal connection, but because it's often overlooked or misunderstood compared to Bowie’s classic 1970s output. He describes writing the book as a way of revisiting and reassessing the period, challenging assumptions, and offering honest but thoughtful critiques. We discuss how Bowie’s embrace of collaborators like Donny McCaslin and Gail Ann Dorsey introduced many listeners to other genres, especially jazz, and how Bowie's eclecticism shaped our own musical tastes. Don reflects on how critics often lazily compared later albums to Scary Monsters, rather than engaging with them on their own terms. He offers nuanced takes on albums like Black Tie White Noise, Earthling, Heathen, Reality, The Next Day, and Blackstar, distinguishing between personal favorites and what he considers Bowie’s best work. We also explore how changing music industry dynamics—from the rise of MTV to the fragmentation of audiences in the digital age—shaped the reception of Bowie’s later work. Throughout, Don emphasizes that even the most uneven albums contain moments of brilliance, and that Bowie remained daring, inventive, and relevant through to the end. Our shared conclusion: Bowie was never just one thing, and that’s what made him great.