Arthur Godfrey
American radio personality and television actor (1903-1983)
William Everett Preston was a highly talented American musician who made significant contributions to various genres, including R&B, rock, soul, funk, and gospel. He was a renowned session keyboardist who worked with many legendary artists and even received a credit on a Beatles recording.
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About the Billy Preston
William Everett Prestonwas an American keyboardist, singer and songwriter whose work encompassed R&B, rock, soul, funk, and gospel. Preston was a top session keyboardist in the 1960s, backing Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, Reverend James Cleveland, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. He gained attention as a solo artist with hit singles “That’s the Way God Planned It”, the Grammy-winning “Outa-Space”, “Will It Go Round in Circles”, “Space Race”, “Nothing from Nothing”, and “With You I’m Born Again”. Additionally, Preston co-wrote “You Are So Beautiful”, which became a No. 5 hit for Joe Cocker.
Preston is one of very few musicians to be given a credit on a Beatles recording, which was done at the band’s request; the group’s 1969 single “Get Back” was credited as “The Beatles with Billy Preston”. He continued to record and perform with George Harrison after the Beatles’ breakup, along with other artists such as Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones on many of the group’s albums and tours during the 1970s. Preston was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence Award category in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Billy Preston was an American keyboardist, singer and songwriter who was known for his work in R&B, rock, soul, funk, and gospel music. He was a top session keyboardist in the 1960s, working with artists like Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, and the Beatles.
Billy Preston had several hit singles, including ,That’s the Way God Planned It,, the Grammy-winning ,Outa-Space,, ,Will It Go Round in Circles,, ,Space Race,, ,Nothing from Nothing,, and ,With You I’m Born Again,. He also co-wrote the hit song ,You Are So Beautiful,, which became a top 5 hit for Joe Cocker.
The Beatles collaborated with Billy Preston and even credited him on their 1969 single ,Get Back,, making him one of the few musicians to receive such an honor from the band. Preston continued to record and perform with George Harrison after the Beatles’ breakup.
Billy Preston was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence Award category in 2021, recognizing his significant contributions to the music industry over the course of his career.
Billy Preston’s work encompassed a wide range of musical genres, including R&B, rock, soul, funk, and gospel. He was known for his versatility and ability to adapt his style to different musical settings.
As a top session keyboardist in the 1960s, Billy Preston backed up a number of legendary artists, including Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, Reverend James Cleveland, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones.
6 Quotes by Billy Preston
- 1.
I had been inspired by an organ player named Earl Grant, who played organ and piano together. My mom took me to see him. So I went home, put my piano and organ together, too.
Billy PrestonAmerican R&B musician (1946-2006)
- 2.
I’m playing with Bonnie Raitt. I don’t have to sing it. I just have to play it. That’s cool.
Billy PrestonAmerican R&B musician (1946-2006)
- 3.
The first time I met Ray, I was going to school around the corner from his house. One day, he was playing the piano. I eased up on the porch to listen to him.
Billy PrestonAmerican R&B musician (1946-2006)
- 4.
I do believe that God has his hands on me and that he has work for me to do.
Billy PrestonAmerican R&B musician (1946-2006)
- 5.
I would never do anything to hurt anybody, especially if they’re helping me. I’m not that kind of person.
Billy PrestonAmerican R&B musician (1946-2006)
- 6.
The Beatles did treat me as a member of the group. And that was a great honor, you know?
Billy PrestonAmerican R&B musician (1946-2006)