Ashes To Ashes, Funk To Funky: Questions For Jason Heller, Author Of 'Strange Stars'
Critic and author Jason Heller's new book traces the considerable influence of David Bowie on the science-fiction inflected music of the 1970s, from "Space Oddity" to the glittery glory of Funkadelic.
David Bowie kind of bookends the 1970s â between "Space Oddity" in 1969 and its sequel "Major Tom" in 1980, music and science fiction crossed the streams in a way that hasn't been seen before or since â from Bowie to Funkadelic, suddenly, space was the (musical) place.
Author (and occasional NPR critic) Jason Heller was a kid with his ear glued to the radio during that era, enthralled by the idea that sci-fi movies, books and music could have a kind of conversation. It's a conversation that inspired his new book, Heller says he decided to focus on Bowie because "he was my first guide. He's so emblematic of the entire idea that sci-fi can be expressed through popular music, and I think he occupies that position for so many people."
