In December 1965, NASA’s Gemini 6A crew completed an important objective, flying in tandem with another spacecraft, a maneuver vital for the upcoming moon landings. During the mission, astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford were treated to a one-of-a-kind performance: Crooner Jack Jones serenaded them with a parody of his hit Broadway tune “Hello Dolly,” which was modified to ‘Hello Wally.” This moment sparked a tradition of spaceflight music that continues today.
‘You Want to Get Them Going’
As NASA missions lengthened, wake-up calls became necessary, with music serving as the alarm clock. Over the years, astronauts and their families have suggested various songs ranging from Frank Sinatra’s hits, “Come Fly with Me” and “Fly Me to the Moon,” to the classic military bugle call, “Reveille.”
"Sounding Reveille," 1871, by Winslow Homer. Oil on canvas. Public Domain
