Billy Preston – My Sweet Lord (Live)

Billy Preston – My Sweet Lord (Live, Concert for George 2002)

On November 29, 2002, one year after George Harrison’s passing, friends and family gathered at London’s Royal Albert Hall for The Concert for George. Among the most moving moments of the evening was Billy Preston’s soulful performance of Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord.”

Preston, often called the “Fifth Beatle” for his collaborations with the group, had a deep personal bond with Harrison. His heartfelt delivery on lead vocals and organ brought a gospel-like spirit to the tribute, turning the performance into a moment of shared reflection and celebration.

He was joined on stage by a remarkable ensemble: Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne, and Dhani Harrison on guitars, Paul McCartney on bass and harmonies, Ringo Starr and Jim Keltner on drums, and a full backing choir including Sam Brown, Katie Kissoon, and Tessa Niles. With Ray Cooper on percussion and Gary Brooker on keys, the performance carried both power and intimacy.

The combination of Preston’s voice and the support of Harrison’s closest friends gave “My Sweet Lord” new emotional depth. In this setting, it became not just a song of devotion, but also a heartfelt remembrance of George’s life and spirit.

Even years later, Billy Preston’s rendition remains one of the defining highlights of the concert—an unforgettable gift from one friend to another.

At The Concert for George (2002), Billy Preston performed “My Sweet Lord” alongside Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Jeff Lynne, and Dhani Harrison.

“My Sweet Lord” is a song by the George Harrison, released in November 1970 on his triple album All Things Must Pass. It was also released as a single, Harrison’s first as a solo artist, and topped charts worldwide; it was the biggest-selling single of 1971 in the UK. In America and Britain, the song was the first number-one single by an ex-Beatle. Harrison originally gave the song to his fellow Apple Records artist Billy Preston to record; this version, which Harrison co-produced, appeared on Preston’s Encouraging Words album in September 1970.