Billy Preston’s Cosmic Performance in “Outa-Space”
“Outa-Space” is an instrumental funk song by American musician Billy Preston. It was released in 1972 as a single from his album of the same name. The song was written by Billy Preston and Joe Greene.
“Outa-Space” is known for its catchy and upbeat melody, driven by Preston’s energetic clavinet playing. The song also features a prominent synthesizer line, funky bass, and rhythmic percussion, creating a lively and infectious groove.
The title “Outa-Space” cleverly plays on the word “outta space,” reflecting the song’s spacey and otherworldly vibe.
The song became a significant hit for Billy Preston, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. “Outa-Space” earned Preston a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. Its funky sound and Preston’s skillful keyboard playing have made it a classic in the funk and soul genres, and the song continues to be celebrated for its lively and innovative musical style.