The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend, David Bowie passed away on Sunday at the age of 69. As a trailblazing icon, from fashion to music to acting, the death of David Bowie sent a chill throughout an entire culture of people who grew up listening to number one hits like “Let’s Dance’ and the remake of “Dancing In the Street” – the loss of this rock legend hit home for many this weekend.

What many young people may not know about Bowie was that he wasn’t only a rocker, but he had soul. Right around the time that “Let’s Dance” was released, David Bowie had already been writing songs with Luther Vandross (yes the R&B Legend Luther Vandross), for about ten years. Not only Vandross, according to MTV, David Bowie is credited with working with talent like the bassists Willie Weeks, singer Ava Cherry, drummer Tony Thompson and bassist/producer Nile Rodgers. Rodgers was one of many artists who expressed his disappointment in MTV for not airing black artists on the music channel in the early 80s. Bowie, who MTV described as a leader, and NEVER a follower, took an immediate opportunity to confront the mega TV network head-on during a live television interview about leaving out black artist.

In the interview VJ Mark Goodman attempted to sugarcoat the answers posed by the questions Bowie threw at him. Bowie’s questions were basically addressing the obvious bias that MTV had against black artists airing on television during regular day-parts. VJ Mark Goodman did his best to explain why, without seeming like a racist – at one point explaining that people in the Midwest would be “scared to death” by watching Prince on television during regular hours (NOTE: Prince is from the Midwest).

David Bowie at the height of his career, at a time when he was promoting one of his biggest songs decided to take a moment to ask smart, thought-provoking questions about the obvious discrimination on MTV. Though the VJ danced around his questions with indirect answers, that appear more gray than black-and-white, he made it clear that MTV’s target was not the black consumer. Bowie, asked about the bias in American media and the responsibility of MTV to be more fair. Born in Brixton, South London in 1947, it was clear that David Bowie had an understanding and compassion for many of the artists of color he had worked with in the industry. Not only a compassion, but he also had an appreciation for the music created by a culture of people who were still being discriminated against – even in the eighties! Bowie’s calm demeanor never waivored as he listened intently to Mark Goodman’s remarks; never agreeing; simply respectfully calling his comments “interesting.”

David Bowie will forever be known for his fashion risks, his timeless sound, and a look that could never be duplicated. With over 140 million records sold, nine platinum album certificates and as a member of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, David Bowie changed the course of Rock N’ Roll music forever. This MTV clip shows another side of Bowie many may not have often seen. It shows a man, who had experienced success that many only dream of, still take the time to do what is right and what is fair – and it is those qualities that truly make David Bowie and icon. Check out the clip in its entirety below.

RIP.