Nothing From Nothing

The Zoo Crew is spinning the funky classic "Nothing From Nothing" by Billy Preston, from his 1974 album The Kids & Me, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving along. This upbeat soul tune, co-written with Bruce Fisher, hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week in October 1974, marking Preston’s second solo chart-topper after "Will It Go Round in Circles." What makes this song’s chart history wild is its dramatic drop from #1 to #15 the very next week, a Billboard record for 1974, as noted by fan Paul from Detroit in a Songfacts comment. That year was a trivia goldmine, with three consecutive #1 songs featuring "nothing" in the title: Preston’s track, You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet, and You Haven’t Done Nothin’. The song’s infectious energy also landed it in pop culture, from the first-ever musical performance on Saturday Night Live in 1975 to its use in films like Be Kind Rewind (2008) and the 2024 Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin special. Posts on X, like one from @carlquintanilla in 2021, highlight its iconic Soul Train performance, where Preston’s keyboard wizardry and vibrant stage presence lit up the room.

Preston shared in interviews that the song’s concept came from the saying “nothing from nothing leaves nothing,” which he jotted down in an Atlanta nightclub dressing room, as detailed on Last.fm. Bruce Fisher fleshed out the playful lyrics, like “I’m not tryin’ to be your highness / ‘Cause that minus is too low to see,” adding a cheeky charm. Fans on YouTube, like commenter Ramona817, praised Preston’s brilliance as a musician and performer, while others, like happygamer91, raved about the song’s killer bass breakdown. Its ragtime bounce and horn flourishes, as noted by blogger Jon on his site, showcase Preston’s knack for blending funk, gospel, and soul. The track’s piano solo is a standout, with The Musical Hype calling it one of the funkiest records ever, a testament to Preston’s elite keyboard skills.

Billy Preston’s journey to stardom began early, rooted in his prodigious talent. Born on September 2, 1946, in Houston, Texas, he was a child prodigy, playing organ for gospel legend Mahalia Jackson at age 10, as noted in his Wikipedia bio. By his teens, he was backing icons like Little Richard and Sam Cooke. His big break came in the 1960s when he joined Ray Charles’ band, honing his soulful keyboard style. A pivotal moment arrived in 1969 when George Harrison invited him to play on Let It Be sessions with The Beatles, earning him a rare co-credit on “Get Back” as “The Beatles with Billy Preston.” This collaboration, detailed in American Songwriter, boosted his profile, leading to a deal with Apple Records and hits like “Outa-Space.” Preston’s solo career soared at A&M Records, where he crafted The Kids & Me, dedicated to St. Elmo’s Village, a children’s center in Los Angeles.

Preston’s legacy lives on, though he passed away in 2006. His official website, https://www.billypreston.net, offers a glimpse into his discography and impact. Fans can connect on social media, including his Facebook page, which shares updates and tributes, and his Instagram, featuring vintage photos and performance clips. On X, the account celebrates his contributions, often reposting fan memories. Fan communities thrive online, like the Billy Preston Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share rare recordings and stories. Another hub, SoulTracks, provides a fan-driven archive of his career highlights, perfect for Zoo Freaks digging deeper into Preston’s funky, soulful world.