The Hollywood Men family lost a true friend on Monday, January 23. Our beloved Houston (Frederick Jay Bowdy) tragically lost his battle with his demons and is no longer with us.
Houston had his own strip act called A Man’s World based on the famous James Brown song, “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World”, as performed by American Idol’s Joshua Ledet. Below is a slideshow of this performance.
A Man’s World Strip Act
Inspiration
Condolences For Jay Bowdy
We all wish we had more time with this wonderful man. Jay’s spirit will live on in the memories we cherish and the brief time we shared.
The minute I met Houston, I knew he was someone special; he had charm, charisma, amazing looks, and a great personality. I knew I had to get him on stage immediately.
I was very inspired by Joshua Ledet’s version of “It’s a Man’s World” by James Brown, and I knew that if I could get the same level of emotion from Houston, it would be an act that would bring the house down.
With the help of our choreographer, Brooklyn Jai, we collaborated on something very special. Given the high talent level at The Hollywood Men, it’s tough to be the closing act, but that’s the spot Houston earned. I can’t get the image of his performance out of my head.
I am truly heartbroken that the world has lost such a talented and kind-hearted person. My sincere condolences go out to his family, especially his children.
Jay Bowdy, may your soul rest in peace. May God forgive you and welcome you into His kingdom.
I just wanted to say a few words about my friend Houston. You will be dearly missed. You always put a smile on my face every time you came into the club and were consistently in good spirits.
I would always say, ‘Houston has landed,’ and you would reply, ‘Houston has arrived, yes he has—girls are in for a treat!’
It’s hard to believe you are gone; you were too young and had too much talent to leave this earth so soon.
As a father, I know your children will miss you the most. I love my daughter and family so much, and your passing has brought me closer to them, making me realize that we are only here for a short time and should live every day to the fullest
Rest in peace, my friend.
What I want to remember is that you lived fully and that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.
I wish we had more time to have fun together, brother. Your way of saying “Dreee is in the building” will stay with me forever. Rest in peace.
Houston was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet—always with a smile on his face, always happy, and always in good spirits.
I want to remember him the way everyone else does: as a fun-loving guy who truly loved life!
He was one of the only guys I’d hang out with outside of the show. I had such a fun time with him.
Seriously, he was like a brother from another mother—one of those connections where you just click. I think he had that with everyone, which is what made him so special.
He will be deeply missed and definitely not forgotten. I just want to celebrate his spirit.
I didn’t have the opportunity to know Houston for a long time, but the time I spent with him, preparing for shows since his section was next to mine, was filled with nothing but big smiles on our faces.
Whether we were backstage, on stage, or spending time outside the show, the few opportunities I had with him revealed that he was a very positive man and a great role model for young people and our youth.
I remember he was a huge Cowboys fan, and since I was a football fan, we would always go back and forth about whether the Cowboys were going to win or not.
Great guy—nice having him by my side while getting ready next to me. He will be missed dearly!
A good man and great coworker, Houston (Frederick Jay Bowdy), tragically passed away. He was a kind person and a decent father to his children.
He will always be remembered and will be missed by all. See you on the other side, my friend.
Houston was always kind to everyone and a pleasure to be around. It was always a delight to hear his enthusiastic voice when he walked in the door.
My deepest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Jay ‘Houston’ Bowdy will be missed by everyone who met him. He was a man of strong faith, good character, and a great father.
It pains me to know that he is no longer here with us, but his light and presence will shine and live on forever.
Even though his time with the show was brief, he made a huge impact during his time there.
I’m going to miss his energy, his friendship, and his ability to put a smile on anyone’s face. I miss you and will never forget you, brotha.
You were always smiling, and whenever you walked into a room, you used your charisma to share your positive energy with others.
Jay (Houston), you may have needed a break from this world, but you will always be remembered. Just because we can’t see you doesn’t mean you’re not with us!
I can still hear your loud, happy voice greeting me as you arrived late to work. Haha!
Brother, we will keep your memory alive and learn to accept what has happened as we grow stronger and become closer because of you.
My friend Jay was taken from this life too early, but when I think of him, I can only smile. Jay was the life of the party, a fierce workout partner, an incredibly gifted talent, and a generously giving friend.
After just five minutes with Jay, I would leave laughing and feeling happy. He was a beautiful soul, and I will miss my friend every day…
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we bid farewell to a cherished member of our brotherhood in the performance and dance world.
I first met Houston through our Adonis Lounge shows when he came in looking for a dancing job. Upon meeting him, I hired him immediately.
After working with him for a few months, I thought he would be a great fit for the Hollywood Men shows, so I arranged a meeting for him there, and he was essentially hired on the spot.
Houston always had a positive and laid-back vibe, often seeming like the cool, low-key guy in the bunch.
I remember sending him out on his very first booking—a private bachelorette party—and I worried a bit about how he would handle it. But he just gave me that cool smile and said something like, ‘Nah, don’t worry, man. I got this. Piece of cake.’
That was Houston—always the cool character, ready to handle things with smooth, suave style.
I will personally miss Houston and his great smile and overall energy.
It is always tragic when our friends pass so early in life, but our memories of them keep them close in our hearts for eternity.
We will miss you, Houston.
Dancing on stage with Houston was an honor; he was such a phenomenal performer and a pleasure to work with.
His smile and positive energy were infectious, lighting up the room every time he walked through the door. Every dancer, server, and bartender at The Hollywood Men admired Houston; he was always smiling and cracking jokes.
Despite being a lead dancer, he respected everyone equally and was a great leader for the team. He was loved by all of us like a brother.
Houston always had a positive and laid-back vibe, often seeming like the cool, low-key guy in the bunch.
My fondest memories of Houston are of performing with him on stage, where we would constantly be smiling and laughing while dancing for our audiences.
Backstage was no different; it was a show in itself, as Houston was always a comedian, never letting a moment go by without cracking a joke.
I knew every night when I showed up to the show that Houston and I would be smiling from ear to ear and laughing the night away. He was incredibly friendly and charming with everyone he encountered.
Every moment with Houston felt like a party, whether we were at a restaurant, walking down the street, or driving in the car. He would frequently make me laugh so hard that I would cry.
Taking the train home with him every night after the show was a pleasure. Houston and I would exchange sports stories, as we both played college and professional sports before becoming dancers. We would meet random people on the train and made it a point to brighten their day if we saw they were having a rough one.
Houston often spoke about how much he loved and cared for his kids; he had a heart of gold and was kind to everyone.
Houston had many talents and unique gifts that will be missed, but he is now in a better place and an angel for us all.
He was never selfish and always put the team first.
I will miss my brother from another mother; I love the extraordinary man and will cherish all our great memories together. I will carry his smile and laughter with me on my journey.
Thank you for all the great times, brother. You were a gift from God, and I feel blessed to have had you in my life. I am truly grateful for our friendship and brotherhood.
I love you, brother, and I know you will be watching over me until we meet again.
You were one of the kindest, most genuine, and humble people I’ve ever known. There wasn’t a time I saw you that you didn’t make me laugh.
Saturday night was the last time we laughed together, until we meet again. We had some great times. Gonna miss you, bro.
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