Billy Preston

Description: (Musician & Songwriter)

Billy Preston was an American ace keyboardist who became famous as one of the top session musicians. His wide array of work consisted of rock, rhythm and blues, gospel, funk and soul music. The over four decade long career of this musical maestro encompassed his collaboration with several leading bands like the ‘Beatles’, the ‘Rolling Stones’ and the ‘Sly & the Family Stone’. He played for emminent artists like Sam Cooke, Syreeta, Little Richard, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton and George Harrison. During the 1970s he began a solo career and went on to become an accomplished solo artist recording and performing in several hit pop singles like ‘Nothing from Nothing’, ‘Will It Go Round in Circles’, ‘Space Race’ and ‘Outa-Space’. He co-wrote the song ‘You Are So Beautiful’ along with Bruce Fisher for English singer-musician Joe Cocker that charted at number five on the ‘Billboard Hot 100’ singles list in 1975. Though Preston was infamous for his cocaine addiction and faced personal hardships, he continued to win hearts of music enthusiasts with his magical performance on keyboard and remained one of the revered and loved musical icons of modern pop music.

Overview

Birthday September 2, 1946 (Virgo)
Alternative names William Everett Preston, William Everett
City Houston, Texas
Died on June 6, 2006
Parents
Robbie Lee Williams

Did you know

What instruments did Billy Preston play? Billy Preston was known for playing the keyboard, piano, organ, and clavinet.
What was Billy Preston's role in The Beatles? Billy Preston was often referred to as the "Fifth Beatle" due to his significant contributions on keyboards during the Get Back/Let It Be recording sessions.
Was Billy Preston inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Yes, Billy Preston was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
What famous songs did Billy Preston collaborate on? Billy Preston collaborated with artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton, contributing to hit songs like "Get Back" and "My Sweet Lord."
Did Billy Preston win any Grammy Awards? Yes, Billy Preston won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for his work on the albums "The Wildest Organ in Town!" and "Outa-Space."
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