"Space Oddity" is one of David Bowie's most iconic songs, and there are several interesting facts about both the song and Bowie himself:
Inspiration from Space: Bowie was inspired to write "Space Oddity" after watching Stanley Kubrick's film "2001: A Space Odyssey." The song was released in 1969, just before the Apollo 11 moon landing, making it particularly timely.
Major Tom: The song tells the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who loses communication with Earth. Major Tom is a character that Bowie revisited in later songs, such as "Ashes to Ashes" and "Blackstar," creating a sort of fictional astronaut persona.
Production Innovations: "Space Oddity" featured innovative production techniques, including the use of a Stylophone, an early electronic musical instrument. This gave the song its distinctive sound.
First Hit: While Bowie had released music before "Space Oddity," it was this song that marked his commercial breakthrough, reaching the top five in the UK singles chart.
Relevance Over the Years: "Space Oddity" has remained relevant and enduring over the years. In 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield recorded a cover of the song aboard the International Space Station, making it the first music video filmed in space.
Album Title: "Space Oddity" also became the title of Bowie's second studio album. In the United States, it was released as "Man of Words/Man of Music" until 1972 when it was reissued as "Space Oddity."
Live Performances: Bowie performed "Space Oddity" during many of his live concerts, often with elaborate and visually stunning stage productions. The song took on new forms and meanings in different phases of his career.
Legacy: "Space Oddity" remains one of Bowie's most iconic and beloved songs, and it continues to be covered by various artists and used in pop culture references, solidifying its place in music history.
David Bowie's "Space Oddity" not only captured the spirit of the space age but also showcased Bowie's ability to create compelling characters and narratives through his music, which became a hallmark of his career.