From American Songwriter · Melanie Davis · · 1m
Biff Rose: Forgotten Singer-Songwriter
Biff Rose, the New Orleans singer-songwriter who opened for Bruce Springsteen and had David Bowie in the audience, died at 85 after a liver cancer battle.
In brief
Biff Rose, the New Orleans singer-songwriter who opened for Bruce Springsteen and had David Bowie in the audience, died at 85 after a liver cancer battle. Biff Rose, a New Orleans singer-songwriter who opened for Bruce Springsteen and had David Bowie in attendance, died at 85 after a liver cancer battle. Originally…
Biff Rose's Early Career
Biff Rose emerged from New Orleans in the 1960s folk scene, performing for rock stars like Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie.
Bruce Springsteen Opening Act
Bruce Springsteen opened for Rose at Max’s Kansas City on February 2, 1973, with David Bowie in attendance.
Bowie's 1971 Album Feature
Bowie included Rose’s song 'Fill Your Heart' on his 1971 album Hunky Dory with Paul Williams.
Rose's Later Controversies
Rose became anti-Semitic, racist, and homophobic, using offensive language and claiming to be the 'prince of darkies'.
“prince of darkies”
Rose's Death
Rose died in Madison, Wisconsin on July 25, 2023, at age 85 after a liver cancer battle.
What to remember
Biff Rose, a New Orleans singer-songwriter who opened for Bruce Springsteen and had David Bowie in attendance, died at 85 after a liver cancer battle.
