Which soul singer had a 1974 number-one hit with "Nothing from Nothing"?

Billy Preston had a 1974 number-one hit with “Nothing from Nothing.” The upbeat single became his second U.S. number-one pop hit and remains one of the most recognizable songs from his solo career.

Released in 1974, “Nothing from Nothing” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in October. Preston wrote the song with Bruce Fisher, and its energetic piano-led arrangement highlighted the keyboardist’s gospel, soul, funk, and pop background.

Preston was also a celebrated session musician who performed with The Beatles, especially during the “Let It Be” sessions, and worked with artists including George Harrison and The Rolling Stones. The song is sometimes confused with hits by James Brown, Ray Charles, or Stevie Wonder, but none of those singers recorded this particular 1974 chart-topper.