Billy Preston was born in Houston, but grew up in Los Angeles. Billy started playing piano at age 3, and was considered a child prodigy. At age 12 he was cast as the young W.C. Handy in the film St.Louis Blues.

By the early 1960's, Preston was on the road, playing in bands backing Little Richard and Ray Charles. He later was in the house band on the popular rock TV show Shindig!.

Billy's really big break came when he was asked by George Harrison to come to a Beatle's recording session, with the thought of helping to diffuse the growing tension in the band. He performed on "Get Back," playing a solo on Fender Rhodes electric piano. The Beatles credited his performance by putting "The Beatles with Billy Preston" on the 45's label, the only time they sanctioned such a co-credit.

Billy played with the Beatles in their last public concert, their famed "rooftop concert" documented in the film Let It Be. He also performed with them on Abbey Road, on the songs "I Want You" and "Something."

He later signed with the Beatles record label, Apple Records, and had a top 40 hit with "That's The Way God Planned It," which he performed in the 1971 movie A Concert For Bangaladesh. He recorded with George Harrison, John Lennon and Ringo Star on their solo records.

This 70's rock pianist continued his solo career with 1972's "Outa Space," a funky instrumental featuring the Hohner clavinet. He followed with the #1 hit "Will It Go Round In Circles" and "Nothing For Nothing."

During the 1970's, Preston was also working with the Rolling Stones, touring with and performing on their albums Sticky Fingers, Exile On Main Street, Goat's Head Soup, Tattoo You, Bridges To Babylon, Black and Blue. Black and Blue's song "Melody" is an excellent example of his funky jazz/blues piano sound.

He can be heard on Aretha Franklin's albums Hey Now Hey, The Other Side Of The Sky and Live at the Fillmore West.

In 1974, Joe Cocker had a top 10 hit with Billy's song "You Are So Beautiful."

In 1975, Preston was a guest musical artist on the premier airing of Saturday Night Live.

He was the sound of the "Raisins" in the 1980's ad campaign for raisins featuring the song "I Heard It Through The Grapevine."

During the 1990's, Preston toured with Eric Clapton and Ringo Star. He performed at the 2002 Concert For George Harrison.

Billy Preston died at age 60 in 2002 from kidney failure after being in a coma.

Photo: Public Domain