Billy Preston

Billy Preston
Billy Preston
	Preston at the White House in 1974
Background information
Birth name	William Everett Preston
Born	September 2, 1946; Houston, Texas, U.S.
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died	June 6, 2006 (aged 59); Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Genres	R&B; soul; funk; rock; gospel;
Occupation(s)	Musician; singer; songwriter;
Instrument(s)	Vocals; keyboards;
Years active	1956–2005
Labels	Derby, Vee-Jay, Capitol, Apple, Buddah, A&M, Motown
Formerly of	Plastic Ono Band; Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band;
Website	billypreston.net

William Everett Preston (September 2, 1946 – June 6, 2006)^[2] was 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 #5 hit for Joe Cocker.

Preston is the only musician 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".^[3] 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.

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^ "Billy Preston, keyboard player with the Beatles, dies at 59". the Guardian. June 7, 2006.

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[3] "Billy Preston, keyboard player with the Beatles, dies at 59". the Guardian. June 7, 2006.

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