Not many Artists can honestly state that their career had successfully spanned three decades, was highlighted by a string of #1 hits and included collaborations with some of the most celebrated names in the music industry including... Aretha Franklin, Sammy Davis Jr., Quincy Jones, The Jackson Five, The Rolling Stones, Barbara Streisand and The Beatles.

Singer/songwriter/keyboardist Billy Preston accomplished all this and much more, which is why he had long been considered "King of the Keys" and a legend in the industry by his peers and his many fans worldwide.

Ray Charles once stated, "Billy Preston is the man I would like to carry on the work I have started." Preston played with Charles for three years and was featured on his "Crying Time" LP. Preston's live performances exhibited his genius and high energy, leading to an audience participation reaction that prompted superstars such as Mick Jagger, Little Richard, and The Beatles to extend warm invitations for Billy to join them on vinyl, film and on the concert road.

Preston's genius became evident early on when he sat down to play the church organ with Mahalia Jackson and Rev. James Cleveland. By the time he turned sixteen, Billy Preston had already worked with Sam Cooke and Little Richard. Initially signed to Vee-Jay Records, Preston scored big when he moved to Capitol Records and had a smash with "Sunny."

Billy's relationship with The Beatles stemmed from his 1960's touring stint with Little Richard (for whom The Beatles opened), and expedited his signing with Apple Records. Preston was universally accepted as the "fifth Beatle" due to his work on the group's "Let It Be" and "Abbey Road" albums, as well as the landmark "White Album" and his presence on screen in the films "The Complete Beatles" and "Let It Be."

Billy also performed with The Beatles during their historic rooftop final concert. In the late 60's Billy Preston worked with John Lennon and Yoko Ono on their solo "Plastic Ono Band" album, as well as on Ringo Starr's solo single "Oh My My," and George Harrison's American Tour. Preston's international hit "That's The Way God Planned It" was one of the highlights of Harrison's Bangladesh concert and subsequent film.

Billy Preston's name and fame were solidified when he scored a string of #1 hit singles: the Grammy winning "Outa-Space," "Will It Go Round In Circles," "Nothin' From Nothing," and "Space Race".... and he penned the gold standard "You Are So Beautiful" performed by Joe Cocker. In addition, Billy's duet with Syreeta, "With You I'm Born Again" from the motion picture "Fast Break," became an international hit. Billy Preston was universally acclaimed by the media and concert goers as an established star and an entertainer that had to be seen.

Billy Preston opened for the Rolling Stones on their 1974 tour and remained with them for three years, while touring Europe with his own band – Billy Preston and The God Squad. Members of the God Squad later formed Rufus and The Brothers Johnson.

His move into films was further testament to this remarkable creative abilities. He wrote the title song for a series of box office champions. Quincy Jones's "In The Heat Of The Night," "O'Hara's Wife," "Never Gonna Say Good-Bye" and "Fast Break." In addition, Preston wrote the title song and soundtrack for the Jim Brown film "Slaughter" and with Quincy Jones, co-wrote the score for "They Call Me Mr. Tibbs." Preston was also featured in the role of Sgt. Pepper and performed "Get Back" in The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" film.

Billy Preston was an Artist of distinction and rare ability; his show remained fresh, energized and popular. Although he always had to juggle his schedule to meet his many demands, he remained dedicated to his audience and will always be remembered as a live performer who garnished a lot of attention.

Notable songs include --

• Space Race
• Outa-Space
• Will It Go Round in Circles
• Nothing from Nothing
• That's The Way God Planned It
• I Wrote A Simple Song
• Slaughter
• With You I'm Born Again
• You Are So Beautiful
• Get Back
• Octopus
• My Girl
• If I Had a Hammer

Billy Preston will be missed. Remember him through his music.

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