In an exciting announcement, pop sensation Katy Perry is set to embark on a journey to outer space aboard a Blue Origin rocket, with the launch scheduled for April 14. This news sparked a lively discussion among NPR Music editors, prompting Hazel Cills to pose a playful challenge in the organization's internal Slack channel: "Quick name 20 artists who should get to go to space before Katy Perry!"

Despite some acknowledging that Perry has her own credentials, having released a song about extraterrestrial romance in 2010, it was not difficult for NPR staffers to compile a list of musicians whose ties to the cosmos are more profound and compelling. A panel including music critic Ann Powers, video producer Nikki Birch, network response associate Tucker Ives, and engineer Valentina Rodrguez Snchez contributed to this imaginative selection. The following list focuses exclusively on living musicians, all of whom are considered perfect candidates for a cosmic adventure.

Countdown to Space Travel

  1. Marshall Allen - As the heir to the legendary Sun Ra, who celebrated his 100th birthday last year, Allen is a pioneer in the avant-garde jazz scene and epitomizes the concept that "space is the place."
  2. George Clinton - The leader of the iconic P-Funk collective drew inspiration from the character Uhura in Star Trek. Clinton famously claimed that during the recording of Mothership Connection, "We weren't tied down to this planet for a minute."
  3. Elton John - Known for his hit "Rocket Man," inspired by Ray Bradbury's science fiction work, this beloved artist has had his music used as wake-up calls for astronauts aboard Discovery and Atlantis.
  4. John Williams - The maestro behind the iconic scores of Star Wars and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, both of which earned Academy Awards, Williams compositions have become synonymous with space adventure.
  5. Erykah Badu - The queen of neo-soul has openly expressed her desire to live in a space shuttle and has shared amusing anecdotes about her attempts to connect with aliens.
  6. Bilateral - The musician streamed his experimental EP Voyage-19 during the pandemic, providing a sense of connection and upliftment to countless fans worldwide.
  7. Peter Schilling - Known for his 1983 hit Major Tom (Coming Home), Schilling reimagined the iconic character from David Bowies Space Oddity.
  8. Nick Rhodes - As the keyboardist of Duran Duran, Rhodes project Astronomia explores the vastness of space through music, showcasing several albums dedicated to this theme.
  9. Thundercat - This Grammy-winning artist, who is heavily influenced by Afrofuturism, features songs like Lost in Space and Jameel's Space Ride in his repertoire.
  10. Rush - Following a 1981 space shuttle launch, Rush wrote several space-themed songs, notably Countdown, which incorporates real astronaut communications.
  11. Bjork - With a career filled with references to the cosmos, her songs like Earth Intruders and Cosmogony reflect her fascination with otherworldly themes.
  12. Afrika Bambaataa - As a pioneer of hip-hop and Afrofuturism, Bambaataa's influence on music and culture is legendary, warranting a ticket to the stars.
  13. Philip Glass - The contemporary classical composer has created operas that interweave themes of space exploration, such as Einstein on the Beach.
  14. Pink Floyd - This legendary bands connection to space is well-documented, from performing during the first moon landing to having their music used by NASA on Mars missions.
  15. Janelle Monae - A self-proclaimed space nerd, Monae's lyrics often delve into themes of alien life, making her a fitting candidate for a space journey.
  16. Kronos Quartet - This ensemble has integrated space sounds from NASA into their music, celebrating the exploration of the universe.
  17. Bootsy Collins - Known for his Space Bass, Collins whimsical approach to music and life resonates with the exploration of the cosmos.
  18. The Grateful Dead - Their enduring music, along with their technical contributions to space missions, highlights their connection to the cosmic experience.
  19. Brian Eno - Often credited as a pioneer of ambient music, Enos creations offer an auditory journey through space.
  20. BTS - Not limited to just Earthly realms, BTS's songs Mikrokosmos and Moonchild exemplify their universal appeal, even featuring on NASA playlists.

The enchanting world of music is filled with artists whose works resonate with the themes of space exploration and the vastness of the universe. While Katy Perry prepares for her interstellar adventure, it's clear that many other musicians have long demonstrated their cosmic credentials and deserve a seat among the stars.