What do Muhammad Ali, Nina Simone, Randy Newman and Fidel Castro have in common? All three have provided inspiration for the music of singer-songwriter Ben Folds.

The eclectic songwriter will bring his talents to town Friday for a performance with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

Folds is the former frontman of the indie-rock trio Ben Folds Five and has had a successful solo career. His latest album, “Way to Normal” was released Tuesday on Epic Records. He is on tour promoting his album, but also likes to take time to perform with orchestras around the country. He spoke by telephone from a stop in Boston last week.

“The sound of the orchestra is amazing,” Folds said. “It will atrophy if people don't use it in new ways.”

Fort Wayne Philharmonic General Manager Dan Ross said the opportunity for Folds to come to Fort Wayne was too good to pass up. “It's going to be exciting to see him perform with our orchestra,” he said.

Folds is part of a wide range of artists and performers in this year's Pops series, which includes Michael Feinstein on Saturday, Linda Eder and Fort Wayne's Voices of Unity Choir, among others.

For the opening concert of the 2008-09 Pops series, Folds will perform two of his songs with all-new original arrangements by the Philharmonic's Adrian Mann.

Performing with an orchestra is sometimes difficult for Folds, who spends his time playing the piano and can't always tell if the experience is working for the audience. “It's like walking a tightrope — I have to sweat it,” said Folds.

Folds experiments with different musical styles and ways of marketing to new audiences with three Internet-only EP albums, “Speed Graphic,” “Sunny 16” and “Super D,” all released 2003-2004. In 2006, he also covered a song by Dr. Dre for his album “Supersunny- speedgraphic,” an LP of the Internet-only EPs and a few additional songs.

Covering material by other artists is something Folds considers a necessity for creating good music.

“You learn by how it's been done,” he said.

Folds covered “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John for his 2002 live album. But one of the best compliments he ever received was Bette Midler's cover of his “Boxing,” in 1998. “I was flattered,” said Folds.

Folds has worked with many artists. One of his most critically acclaimed collaborations was with actor William Shatner for the 2004 spoken-word album “Has Been.”

“The Shatner collaboration was very special,” said Folds. “Has Been” featured musical arrangements and production by Folds with spoken lyrics by Shatner, and a host of artists contributing backup vocals.

Folds' partnership with Shatner also led to work for the soundtrack to “Over the Hedge.” The movie featured a new version of Folds' song “Rockin' the Suburbs.”

“There's so much talent out there,” said Folds. He likes to collaborate with new artists and likes to keep an open mind for his music.

“If I find an opportunity to do something that's not been done before and make it accessible, then it's gold,” Folds said.