David Bowie, who died Sunday at 69 after battling cancer, was constantly ahead of his time, on basically any issue. As fans began to mourn the legendary performer, they started sharing evidence of his progressive thinking and unstoppable creativity. MTV even shared a video from 1983 that made itself look bad—but showed just how comfortable Bowie was speaking truth to power.
In the clip, Bowie asks interviewer Mark Goodman why the relatively new station doesn't showcase many black artists. "It occurred to me, having watched MTV over the past few months, that it's a solid enterprise and it's got a lot going for it," he said. "I'm just floored by the fact that there's so few black artists featured on it. Why is that?"
Bowie wasn't having it, saying MTV only features black artists in the wee hours of the morning, not during the day when most people are watching. Goodman, having to speak for the network, tried to defend the company by saying many white viewers were uncomfortable with black musicians and their music videos. "Do you not find that it's a frightening predicament to be here?" Bowie asked. "Is it not possible that it should be a conviction of the station, and of other radio stations, to be fair? It does seem to be rampant through American media. Should it not be a challenge to try and make the media far more integrated, especially of anything in musical terms?"
Entertainment Weekly notes that that very year, MTV started playing Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," the first video by a black artist to be frequently aired on the network. Goodman hasn't commented on the newly viral interview, though he did tweet a mournful message about Bowie. He now hosts several shows on Sirius XM radio.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
Prince Louis Turns 6—See the Adorable New Photo
Princess Kate was behind the lens.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Luke Bryan Trips Over a Fan's Phone During a Show, Jokes "My Lawyer Will Be Calling"
He thought it was hilarious.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Melissa McCarthy Defends Meghan Markle From Critics Who Are "Threatened" by Her
McCarthy once starred in the duchess' 40th birthday video.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors Published
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors Published