David Bowie Made Me Gay

100 Years of LGBT Music

By: Darryl W. Bullock

Narrated by: Darryl W. Bullock

From Sia to Elton John, from Billie Holiday to David Bowie, LGBT musicians have changed the course of modern music. But before their music – and the messages behind it – gained understanding and a place in the mainstream, how did the queer musicians of yesteryear fight to build foundations for those who would follow them? David Bowie Made Me Gay is the first book to cover the breadth of history of recorded music by and for the LGBT community. Darryl W. Bullock reveals the stories of both famous and lesser-known LGBT musicians, whose perseverance against the threat of persecution during decades of political and historical turmoil – including two world wars, Stonewall and the AIDS crisis – has led to some of the most significant and soul-searching music of the last century. Bullock chronicles these struggles through new interviews and archival reports, dating from the birth of jazz in the red-light district of New Orleans, through the rock 'n' roll years, Swinging '60s and disco days of the '70s, right up to modern pop, electronica and reggae. An entertaining treasure-trove of untold history for all music lovers, David Bowie Made Me Gay is an inspiring, nostalgic and provocative story of the right to be heard and the need to keep the fight for equality in the spotlight.©2017 Darryl W. Bullock (P)2019 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

'Lovingly detailed and exhaustively researched ... easily the most readable and comprehensive guide I've seen to this fascinating hidden history.' (Tom Robinson, musician, broadcaster and activist)

'A look back at a century of LGBTQ music, the history lesson serves as a primer of a movement in which Bowie was key.' (Billboard)

'A comprehensive and compelling work ... on music, history and, of course, a human struggle for tolerance, acceptance and respect.' (Nudge)

Very informative!

I considered myself pretty knowledgeable about the topic, but this book shed light on a great deal I was unaware of.

LGBTQ history

The book provides a sweeping view of recorded music by LGBTQ musicians and singers. it was fun to learn about some of the lesser known artists and the back story of the struggle to be visible and accepted. The author reads the book, so the narration isn't as slick as some best sellers or classics.