David Bowie’s enduring decency is exemplified by this letter to a 14-year-old fan

A small glimpse at his incredible decency.

Most of your Twitter timeline and Facebook feed is probably filled with tributes to the iconic David Bowie – an entirely appropriate response after the world lost one of the greatest musicians of all time.

There have already been some poignant and moving tributes paid to an artist who is truly beyond comparison.

can't believe it. we will forever be inspired by/love u, bowie 💙 pic.twitter.com/oXMq6HuhWY

— HAIM (@HAIMtheband) January 11, 2016

During his career, the chameleon-like Bowie has been known by many different names and alter egos – The Thin White Duke and Ziggy Stardust being the most prominent – but two things have always remained constant.

Those are 1) His ability to make great music and 2) his incredible decency as a man.

This was the very first fan letter that a 20-year-old Bowie received, and his classy reply is an example of just how wonderful a man he was. Rest in peace.

Lovely David Bowie letter to a 14 yr old American fan, 1967. "I hope one day to go to America". pic.twitter.com/YtbA7K8hu1

— Paul Kirby (@paul1kirby) January 11, 2016

In case you can’t read it, here’s the letter in full.

25th., September 1967

Dear Sandra,

When I called in this, my manager’s office, a few moments ago I was handed my very first American fan letter – and it was from you. I was so pleased that I had to sit down and type an immediate reply, even though Ken is shouting at me to get on with a script he badly needs. That can wiat (wi-at? That’s a new English word which means wait).

I’ve been waiting for some reaction to the album from American listeners. There were reviews in Billboard and Cash Box, but they were by professional critics and they rarely reflect the opinions of the public. The critics were very flattering however. They even liked the single “Love You Till Tuesday”. I’ve got a copy of the American album and they’ve printed the picture a little yellow. I’m really not that blond. I think the picture on the back is more ‘me’. Hope you like those enclosed.

In answer to your questions, my real name is David Jones and I don’t have to tell you why I changed it. “Nobody’s going to make a monkey out of you” said my manager. My birthday is January 8th and I guess I’m 5’10”. There is a Fan Club here in England, but if things go well in the States then we’ll have one there I suppose. It’s a little early to even think about it.

I hope one day to get to America. My manager tells me lots about it as he has been there many times with other acts he manages. I was watching an old film on TV the other night called “No Down Payment” a great film, but rather depressing if it is a true reflection of The American Way Of Life. However, shortly after that they showed a documentary about Robert Frost the American poet, filmed mainly at his home in Vermont, and that evened the score. I am sure that that is nearer the real America. I made my first movie last week. Just a fifteen minutes short, but it gave me some good experience for a full length deal I have starting in January.

Thank you for being so kind as to write to me and do please write again and let me know some more about yourself.
Yours sincerely,

(Signed, ‘David Bowie’)