Of course we talk about Billy’s link to The Beatles, because this is a Beatles website, but Billy was quite a legend in his own right.

Here is Tom Frangione’s look back on the life and musical career of this often-called “5th Beatle”, Billy Preston, who died at the early age of 59:

By way of a quick refresher course in “Billy & The Beatles”, he was, of course, the featured keyboard player during the sessions for the Let It Be (and Let it Be Naked) album and film. His work was so prominent that he received label credit on the chart topping single “Get Back” c/w “Don’t Let Me Down”. “Get Back”, of course, features Billy’s improvised keyboard solo, a song he was proud to do in concert on the Apple Rooftop on January 30, 1969 (and also remade for SPLHCB soundtrack). "The One After 909" is especially energetic. He also played keyboards on Abbey Road. "I Want You (She's So Heavy): and the classic "Something".

In the early 60s, Billy went to Europe with Little Richard who was playing in Hamburg. The Beatles were the opening act and, as the story goes, he was the one who made sure they got fed. His friendship with them lasted through the 60s and he was the first act signed to Apple Records thanks to George Harrison. The resulting album is called "That's the Way God Planned It.".

In addition to recording two albums for the group’s Apple label, he appeared on a host of John, George and Ringo albums, in addition to having performed live in concert with each band member. His performances at the Concert for Bangladesh "That's the Way God Planned it", on 2 of Ringo’s All-Starr Band Tours, George’s U.S. Tour in 1974, and most recently at the Tribute Concert for George are widely considered among the highlights of each show. While held in high esteem by each of the Beatles, his relationship with George was particularly close; so much so that two of George’s best solo compositions, “My Sweet Lord” and “All Things Must Pass” were actually recorded and released by Billy prior to their appearance on George’s own records.

Billy, while on the George Harrison Tour in 1974, when they got invited to the White House.

His first album - Billy Preston, The Most Exciting Organ Ever (1965)
A 20-year-old Preston sexes up the keyboard with a mix of originals and covers including the folk staple If I Had a Hammer and Little Richard's Slippin' and Slidin'

Prior to his Beatles association, Preston had performed with the likes of Sam Cooke, Little Richard, the Rolling Stones and his own idol, Ray Charles. After leaving Apple, he had a successful solo career in the 1970’s, charting such hits as “Will It Go ‘Round In Circles”, “Nothing From Nothing”, “Outta Space”, “Space Race” and penning the classic “You Are So Beautiful” that was a big hit for Joe Cocker.

Billy on the George Harrison Tour in 1974

The Beatles work made Preston a go-to keyboard player for the next decade.
He appeared on Aretha Franklin's Live at Fillmore West - Preston backs the Queen of Soul through familiar fare like the Beatles' Eleanor Rigby and Young, Gifted and Black, Dylan's Blood on the Tracks.
Billy often played keyboards on tour with Eric Clapton. He also did the keyboard work on Sly & the Family Stone's greatest hits.

He was the musical guest for the first airing of Saturday Night Live in 1975.

John Mayall Along for the Ride 2001

Johnny Cash American IV: The Man Comes Around - 2002

Eric Clapton's No Reason To Cry. Me And Mr. Johnson (2004), Reptile, One More Car &One More Rider (2002).

Enrique Iglesias Vivir (2002)

Carly Simon Christmas Is Almost Here Again (2003)

Christina Aguilera My Kind Of Christmas (2004)

Ray Charles, Genius Loves Company ( 2004) Preston is present on a number of the duets on Charles' final studio album, accompanying the Genius with whom he'd worked as a teenager.

Luther Vandross' The Night I Fell in Love.

More recently, Billy can be heard on the latest albums by Neil Diamond. He's also featured on the Starbucks soul album "Believe to My Soul" featuring Mavis Staples and Ann Peebles.

And then there's the Red Hot Chili Peppers ' Warlocks", which bridges two generations of funky musical innovators. The Chilis will clearly carry Preston's influence into the future.
"He really knew how to bring a song to life," the group said.

...and other studio work too numerous to mention here.

Billy was at 2005 Fest for Beatles Fans in Chicago

In the Meantime, Here’s a Sneak Peek at the Wonderful Musical Selections Included on the Sampler:

SGT PEPPER: performed in Billy’s trademark R&B style, this one combines lyrical treatments from both the “main” and “reprise” versions of the song as well as some unique phrasing and vocal arrangements. Generally, not segueing into “With a Little Help From My Friends” after the introduction of Billy Shears as done on the Beatles original release would seem obtuse; here, the song’s stylistic treatment does well on a stand-alone basis. Preston plays all instruments and does all lead & backing vocals on this track. If you liked his Apple-era material, you’ll love this.

I’M LOOKING THROUGH YOU: this folk-style Rubber Soul song is performed here in a barrelhouse piano arrangement, with a single-track lead vocal. Co-producer Keith Lewis plays the drums on this one.

GIVE ME LOVE: too often, mixing in solo songs with Beatle tracks on a compilation such as this can “spoil the soup”. No danger of that here; the affection Billy had for his friend shines through on this Spanish-guitar flavored rendition of the Harrison chart-topper from 1973. The exquisite sparse arrangement stands in stark contrast to the full-bodied acoustic guitar sound on the original. Similar to the original, the song ends on an unresolved musical phrase.

HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE: leaving no doubt about the extent of Ray Charles’ influence on him, this one is cut in the Genius’ inimitable style. A throaty lead vocal over a traditional R&B arrangement (until the lush strings kick in about a minute into the record) sit comfortably next to the re-working of the signature introductory musical phrases of this Revolver classic.

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Be sure to listen to Beatle Brunch for Joe’s exclusive interview in an upcoming Billy Preston spotlight edition of the show, and for your chance to win a copy of this limited edition CD, personally autographed by Billy.

Listen to Beatle Brunch
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Autographed CD Sampler

Billy with Tom Frangione at the Fest for Beatles Fans in Chicago 2005.
Photo by Al Sussman.