'Thank you for being so kind as to write to me': Letter that David Bowie penned to his first American fan in 1967 resurfaces 50 years later after the singer's death at age 69 

It can be difficult to remember that the biggest stars in the world were once just starting out, unkown, and hungry for praise and recognition.

Following the news of David Bowie's death at the age of 69 on Sunday, a letter written by the Changes singer before he was famous has resurfaced, offering a fascinating look at his personality before he was a Grammy-award winning singer, actor, and overall superstar.

Bowie was just 20 when he received his first piece of fan mail from America, and the then-up-and-comer was eager to reply. 

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Mourning: David Bowie died on Sunday at the age of 69, and fans are paying tribute to him on social media - including by sharing a letter he wrote to a fan before he was famous

Lucky girl: In September of 1967, he replied to a letter from his first American fan, Sandra Dodd

That first fan letter came from 14-year-old Sandra Dodd, then Sandra Adams, who live in New Mexico.

It was September of 1967, just a few months after his first, self-titled album was released. Bowie was 20 at the time, and by no means a star.

Sandra's uncle was a manager of a local radio station, and he had given her a promo copy of Bowie's musical debut. 

She found it 'weird, and interesting' - in a good way - and set out to write him a letter in which she said that his songs were as good as those by The Beatles. She asked him some questions about himself, and also offered to start a fan club.

Loving his tunes: She was Sandra Adams then (far left), a 14-year-old from New Mexico who got Bowie's album from her uncle, who worked at a radio station

Twice as popular: In 2001, Sandra shared the letter online, and it first went viral in 2009 - but fans are sharing it again in memory of Bowie

Surprisingly, Bowie replied, quickly typing her a letter from the office of his manager, Kenneth Pitt - which Sandra first shared on her website in 2001.

'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,' he wrote in the typewritten letter on his manager's letterhead. 

'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.

'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.' 

Enthusiastic: Bowie also included a newspaper clipping with Sandra hung in her bedroom

All the swag: The clipping was from the Chelsea News; he also shared a few promotional headshots with her

Bowie had also included several black-and-white promotional images of himself, as well as a clipping from the newspaper Chelsea news.

'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,' he wrote humorously, referencing the signer Davy Jones from the Monkees.

'My birthday is January 8th ad 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. 

Flashback: David (pictured in the '60s), was just 20 at the time and had yet to become famous in the US

First fan not a fan: Though he went on to become a major superstar, Sandra never bought another one of his albums as her tastes changed

'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 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.'

Here, he was talking about the 1969 short film The Image, in which he played a young man who haunts an artist by coming out of his painting. 

'Thank you for being so kind as to write to me and do please write again and let me know some more about yourself,' he concluded the letter. 

Sandra wrote upon posting it online that she was impressed that Bowie was such a good typist, and she went on to hang the newspaper on her ceiling for two years. 

Sad music lovers: Bowie died after battling liver cancer for 18 months; fans have been mourning him all over the world (pictured)

Stage name story: Bowie shared in the letter that his real name was David Jones, but he didn't want to be confused with the Monkees singer Davy Jones

She also showed the reply off to her friends, though they were unimpressed. 

'My friends would come over and say "Yeah, but who IS he?"' she recalled.

Ironically, as much as she enjoyed his first album, Sandra never bought another one by the singer, as her tastes changed as she got older.

'I didn't buy any more of his albums, anyway - by the time he was openly available I was immersed in folk music,' she wrote alongside the letter when she shared it for the first time. 

'I bought some current acoustic stuff (Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Carol King), but mostly I was collecting field recordings of traditional ballads and everyday songs. Then I got involved in Renaissance music, and I had a sexy, funny boyfriend from India and... one thing lead to another...'