The Legendary Stardust Cowboy*

The Legendary Stardust Cowboy was born Norman Carl Odam in 1947 in Lubbock, Texas. He is a rock and roll performer who invented an early example of the genre that came to be known as psychobilly in the 1960s. (Thanks Wikipedia)

He recorded his only hit, the song "Paralyzed", in 1968. It often appears prominently in lists of the worst recordings ever made.

So why does he get a mention on this blog? Well mainly because he has the word ‘stardust’ in his name, but also (and more importantly) his connection to David Bowie.

Odam has recorded a number of songs including, “I Took a Trip on a Gemini Spaceship". This was covered by David Bowie on his 'Heathen' album. Odam returned the compliment by recording his version of "Space Oddity".

Bowie himself has said that the term "stardust" in "Ziggy Stardust" is taken from The Legendary Stardust Cowboy.

Odam currently lives in the bay area in California, and performs regularly. In May 2007 he played the David Bowie High-Line festival in New York City, at Bowie's invitation.

* I once thought of writing a musical for a glam rock western but then I came to my senses, although I still quite like the idea. ‘The Legendary Stardust Cowboy’ would have been a great title