Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001) - Deodato (1973) 8/30/22

The word "unlikely" certainly applies to today's "Great Song of 1973."

It's an unlikely mix of jazz, funk, disco and classical music...inspired by an unlikely source...by an unlikely artist.

Brazilian pianist/producer/arranger Eumir Deodato was inspired by the 1968 Stanley Kubrick film, "2001 (A Space Odyssey)," especially the opening theme music adapted from German composer Richard Strauss' iconic classical composition "Also Sprach Zarathustra."

The film itself was inspired by the 1968 Arthur C. Clarke science fiction novel of the same name, which, in turn, was inspired by his short stories, "The Sentinel" and "Encounter in the Dawn."

"2001" was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning for visual effects. It's considered to be one of the most influential films ever made, and the Library of Congress has preserved it in the National Film Registry.

Deodato's instrumental was released 5 full years after the film, so it was mildly surprising that it was such a big hit.

On the other hand, the weirdly entrancing combination of styles caught just about everyone's ear, sending it to #2 on Billboard's Hot 100, #3 on Canada's Top 40 and #7 in The UK.

"Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001)" was certainly different...and an unlikely hit...but nonetheless a "Great Song of 1973!"