Behind The Song: Classic Rock Chronicles Episode: Coco Schwab: The Woman Who Saved David Bowie
Host: Janda Lane
Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Behind The Song," hosted by Janda Lane from the Gamut Podcast Network, listeners are immersed in the profound friendship between David Bowie and Coco Schwab—a relationship Bowie himself credited with saving his life during his tumultuous years in the mid-1970s.

Coco Schwab's Background

Coco Schwab, born Corinne Schwab, entered David Bowie's orbit in 1973 when she responded to an advertisement seeking a "Girl Friday" for Bowie's management office in New York City. In her mid-20s and hailing from New York, Coco brought a unique blend of artistic and analytical skills to her role. Her father, a French photographer from Hamburg, was renowned for capturing some of the first images of liberated concentration camps post-World War II, while her mother was a French psychotherapist. This diverse background equipped Coco with the resilience and insight needed to support a rock icon like Bowie.

Meeting David Bowie

Initially intending to work at Main Man, Bowie's management firm, for only a few months, Coco's role quickly expanded. In 1974, Bowie recognized her potential and invited her to become his personal assistant. This decision marked the beginning of a 46-year-long partnership, during which Coco became Bowie’s protector and steadfast companion.

Janda (00:16): "Coco Schwab came into Bowie's life in 1973... She was born in the same year he was born, by the way."

Coco's Role in Bowie's Life

As Bowie grappled with mental health struggles and heavy cocaine use, Coco provided the stability he desperately needed. She was instrumental in safeguarding Bowie from negative influences, including his first wife, Angie Barnett. Tony Visconti, Bowie's longtime producer, remarked in the 1980s:

Tony Visconti (as cited by Janda): "Coco kept the irritating people out of [Bowie's] life."

Coco's dedication went beyond professional duties. She managed Bowie's daily needs meticulously, even performing tasks like squeezing toothpaste onto his toothbrush to ensure his well-being. During a critical period in Berlin, when Coco was briefly absent, Visconti took over her responsibilities, highlighting the indispensable role she played.

Bowie's Personal Songs About Coco

David Bowie's admiration and reliance on Coco Schwab transcended mere friendship, deeply influencing his music. While few songs in his catalog are explicitly personal, "Never Let Me Down," the title track of his 1987 album, stands out as a heartfelt ode to Coco.

Janda (03:38): "Never Let Me Down... starts with these 'When I believed in nothing I called her name...'"

Bowie composed and arranged the song within 24 hours, with lyrics flowing effortlessly as a testament to Coco's impact on his life. The song's chorus encapsulates his gratitude:

Lyrics: "Never let me down, she never let me down."

In a 1987 interview with Rolling Stone, Bowie acknowledged the depth of their relationship:

David Bowie: "There is a romance in it. ... There's not many people you find in life that you can do that with or feel that way with."

The Relationship and Legacy

Coco Schwab remained Bowie’s unwavering support system until his passing in 2016. Her loyalty was evident as she stayed constantly by his side, managing his affairs and protecting him from further turmoil. In Bowie's will, he bequeathed $2 million to Coco and designated her as the guardian of his daughter, Alexandria, should her mother, Iman, pass away.

Bowie also left Coco shares in a mysterious entity, Opossum, Inc.—a company shrouded in secrecy, much like the enigmatic nature of Bowie's own legacy. The opossum, known for playing dead, perhaps subtly references Bowie’s fascination with themes of resurrection and transformation, as seen in his work like the song "Lazarus."

Coco Schwab continues to reside in New York City, maintaining her private life away from the public eye. Despite the speculations and rumors surrounding her relationship with Bowie, Coco remains an elusive figure, embodying the true essence of an unsung hero in the annals of rock history.

Conclusion

"Coco Schwab: The Woman Who Saved David Bowie" offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a woman whose unwavering support helped steer one of rock's greatest icons through his darkest hours. Coco Schwab's story is a poignant reminder of the profound impact true friendship and loyalty can have, even amidst the glitz and chaos of classic rock stardom.

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