Billy Preston — The Fifth Beatle and Funk Pioneer

William Everett “Billy” Preston (Sept 2, 1946 – June 6, 2006) was an American keyboard prodigy, singer, songwriter, and producer. Renowned for his mastery of the Hammond organ and clavinet, he was dubbed “the Fifth Beatle” for his key role in their Get Back sessions, and he went on to enjoy a successful solo career with multiple hit singles.

Early Life

Preston was born in Houston, Texas, and moved with his family to Los Angeles as a child. Showing extraordinary musical talent from an early age, he was performing with gospel legend Mahalia Jackson at age ten and appeared on The Nat King Cole Show at eleven. He quickly gained recognition as a child prodigy on piano and organ.

Rise as a Session Musician

By the early 1960s, Preston was touring and recording with some of the biggest names in music, including Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and Ray Charles. His versatility and spirited playing made him one of the most in-demand keyboardists of the decade. He later worked with the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, and countless others.

The Beatles and “The Fifth Beatle”

Preston’s defining moment came in January 1969 during the Beatles’ Let It Be sessions. Invited by George Harrison, his presence helped ease tensions within the band. He played electric piano and organ on several tracks, most notably Get Back, which was credited to “The Beatles with Billy Preston” — a rare honor for a non-member. He also appeared on Abbey Road, contributing organ to “Something” and “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).”

Solo Career and Hit Songs

While continuing as a session player, Preston carved out his own stardom in the 1970s. His major hits include:

• That’s the Way God Planned It (1969) — produced by George Harrison.
• Outa-Space (1972) — won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
• Will It Go Round in Circles (1973) — Billboard Hot 100 #1.
• Space Race (1973).
• Nothing from Nothing (1974) — Billboard Hot 100 #1.
• With You I’m Born Again (1979, duet with Syreeta) — international success.

Preston also co-wrote You Are So Beautiful, which became a signature hit for Joe Cocker.

Collaborations Beyond the Beatles

Preston maintained close ties with George Harrison, performing at The Concert for Bangladesh and appearing on Harrison’s All Things Must Pass. He also contributed to solo works by John Lennon and Ringo Starr. His reach extended further, collaborating with artists such as Sly & the Family Stone, Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross. In 2002, he was featured in The Concert for George tribute event.

Personal Life and Struggles

Preston’s later life was marked by personal struggles, including battles with substance abuse and health complications related to hypertension and kidney disease. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2002 but continued to face serious health challenges. He passed away on June 6, 2006, at the age of 59 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Legacy

Billy Preston’s influence spans gospel, rock, funk, and soul. He is remembered as one of the few musicians who could seamlessly cross genres while retaining his spiritual, uplifting style. His signature organ sound defined an era of popular music. In 2021, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Musical Excellence Award.

Quick Facts

• Born: September 2, 1946 – Houston, Texas
• Died: June 6, 2006 – Scottsdale, Arizona
• Genres: R&B, soul, funk, rock, gospel
• Signature Hits: Outa‑Space, Nothing from Nothing, Will It Go Round in Circles, With You I’m Born Again
• Awards: Grammy Award, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Musical Excellence)
• Nickname: The Fifth Beatle

References

• “Billy Preston” — Wikipedia
• “Billy Preston Biography” — Britannica
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — Billy Preston Induction (2021)
• People.com — “How Billy Preston Saved the Let It Be Sessions”