I believe you're thinking of the artist Deodato, whose album "Prelude" contains the theme for 2001 (aka. "Also Sprach Zarathustra"). It came out in the early 70's and was known as an instrumental hit at that time. Hope this helps...

rick.ramos88, November 4, 2005; 3:09 PM

There's also a funk version by The Cecil Holmes Soulful Sounds on the "Black Motion Picture Experience" LP with a killer drum break intro. This version was featured on the Ultimate Breaks & Beats compilation series that came out in 1988. Definately worth a listen if you like killer cover versions. Another funk version features a pre-rap spoken word vocal by DJ Rosko from 1975 and it's called "Peacemaker"; it's featured on the La Guepe series Vol. 4 on Dare Dare records in France.

neelnkizmiaz, November 8, 2005; 11:14 AM

peter pan records made an album by the new sound orchestra. it has disco tracks of 2001, star wars and close encounters of the third kind. its pretty much the shit. i have it on vinyl and love it.

miketuccini, January 7, 2011; 3:47 AM

I believe you are looking for Deodato. Their version came out in 1973 and is titled "also Sprach Zarathustra." Definately the 2001 theme song - disco version

genyav, January 14, 2012; 1:34 PM