Billy Preston

Biography

Billy Preston was born William Everett Preston on September 2, 1946, in Houston, Texas, and raised in Los Angeles. A child prodigy, he began playing piano at age three and was performing with gospel legend Mahalia Jackson by age ten. His early exposure to gospel and R&B shaped his musical foundation, and by his teens, he was already recording solo albums such as '16 Year Old Soul' (1963) and 'The Most Exciting Organ Ever' (1965). Preston also portrayed the young W.C. Handy in the film 'St. Louis Blues' (1958), further cementing his reputation as a prodigious talent.[4]

Preston's career took off in the 1960s when he toured Europe with Little Richard's band and met the Beatles in Hamburg. He became a sought-after session musician, joining Ray Charles's backing band and later playing in the house band for the TV show 'Shindig.' His association with the Beatles led to his historic participation in the recording of 'Get Back,' which was credited to 'The Beatles with Billy Preston,' making him one of the few musicians to receive co-credit on a Beatles single. He also contributed to the albums 'Abbey Road' (1969) and 'Let It Be' (1970), including the band's iconic rooftop concert. Preston's solo career flourished with hits like 'Outa-Space' (1972, Grammy winner), 'Will It Go Round in Circles' (1973), and 'Nothing From Nothing' (1974), and he recorded for Apple, A&M, and Motown Records, scoring a major duet with Syreeta Wright on 'With You I'm Born Again' (1979).[1][2][3][4]

Preston's musical style blended R&B, soul, funk, rock, and gospel, characterized by his virtuosic keyboard work and soulful vocals. He was renowned for his innovative use of the Hammond organ and clavinet, and his energetic stage presence. As a consummate sideman, Preston worked with a 'Who's Who' of popular music, including the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and The Band, leaving a lasting legacy as both a solo artist and a collaborator. His songwriting, notably co-writing 'You Are So Beautiful,' and his genre-crossing influence have made him a pivotal figure in 20th-century music.[1][2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Billy Preston is one of only a few musicians to receive a co-credit on a Beatles single ('Get Back' was credited to 'The Beatles with Billy Preston').
• He played the young W.C. Handy in the 1958 film 'St. Louis Blues.'
• Preston co-wrote the classic ballad 'You Are So Beautiful,' which became a major hit for Joe Cocker.
• He was known for his flamboyant stage presence, often performing with a keyboard strapped around his neck.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mahalia_Jackson - Gospel legend; Preston accompanied her on organ as a child, which deeply influenced his musical and spiritual foundation. (Live gospel performances) [1950s]
• Ray_Charles - Preston played in Ray Charles's backing band, learning from Charles's mastery of R&B and soul. (Touring and live performances) [mid-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• The Beatles - Session keyboardist; played on key tracks and albums, notably 'Get Back' (credited as 'The Beatles with Billy Preston'), 'Abbey Road,' and 'Let It Be.' ('Get Back,' 'Abbey Road,' 'Let It Be,' rooftop concert) [1969-1970]
• George Harrison - Produced Preston's Apple Records albums and collaborated on solo projects and tours. ('That's the Way God Planned It,' 'Encouraging Words,' The Concert for Bangladesh, 1974 North American tour) [late 1960s-1970s]
• The Rolling Stones - Touring and recording keyboardist; contributed to multiple albums and was a regular part of their touring lineup. ('Sticky Fingers,' 'Bridges to Babylon,' and tours) [1971-1997]
• Syreeta Wright - Duet partner on the hit single 'With You I'm Born Again.' ('With You I'm Born Again') [1979]
• Eric Clapton - Touring collaborator; Preston played keyboards on Clapton's tours. (Live tours) [1990s]
• Ringo Starr - Touring and recording collaborator; appeared on Ringo Starr's live album and tours. ('Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band' (1990 live album)) [1990s]
• Joe Cocker - Co-wrote 'You Are So Beautiful,' which became a signature song for Cocker. ('You Are So Beautiful') [1973]

Artists Influenced

• Stevie Wonder - Preston's mastery of the Hammond organ and blend of gospel and R&B influenced Wonder's keyboard style. (General stylistic influence) [1970s onward]
• Bruno Mars - Cited Preston's funk and soul style as an influence on his own approach to pop and R&B. (General stylistic influence) [2010s]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Nothing From Nothing (The Kids & Me)
2. Get Back - Remastered 2015
3. Will It Go Round In Circles (Music Is My Life)
4. My Sweet Lord - Live
5. Outa-Space (I Wrote A Simple Song)
6. Get Back - 2015 Mix (The Beatles 1967 – 1970 (2023 Edition))
7. With You I'm Born Again (Music From The Motion Picture "Fast Break")
8. Will It Go Round In Circles
9. Nothing From Nothing
10. With You I'm Born Again

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia