The man who helped launch David Bowie's career is about to release his autobiography, the ostentatiously titled Gods and Gangsters.

AntiMusic reports that Defries was "present at the birth of Madonna, the reincarnation of Stevie Wonder, the death of the Beatles and the ignition of Iggy." Man ... about ... town.

Before hooking up with Bowie, in 1970, Defries had already worked with Stevie Wonder and The Beatles. Defries worked hand in hand with Bowie during the early-‘70s in creating some very influential, and very striking rock imagery.

Although the claim that Defries "masterminded Bowie's career" might be a little over the top, he's bound to have some good stories locked away.

Defries worked with music historian Dave Thompson on the book, which is expected to be out in 2008.