Billy Preston Promotional Biography
With a career that has successfully spanned three decades, Billy has collaborated with some of the most celebrated names in the music industry including Aretha Franklin, Sammy Davis Jr., Quincy Jones, The Jackson Five, The Rolling Stones, Barbara Streisand and, of course, The Beatles.
A singer, songwriter and keyboardist extraordinaire, Billy Preston long been considered "King of the Keys" and a living legend in the industry by his peers and his many fans worldwide.
Ray Charles once stated, "Billy Preston is the man I would like to carry on the work I have started." Preston played with Charles for 3 years and was featured on his Crying Time LP. Today, Preston's live performances exhibit his genius and high energy, leading to an audience participation reaction that prompted superstars such as Mick Jagger, Little Richard, and The Beatles to extend warm invitations for Billy to join them on vinyl, film and on the concert road.
Born in Houston, Texas on September 9, 1946, Preston's genius became evident early on when he sat down to play the church organ with Mahalia Jackson and Rev. James Cleveland. By the time he turned sixteen, Billy had already worked with Sam Cooke and Little Richard. Initially signed to Vee-Jay Records, Preston scored big when he moved to Capital Records and had a smash with "Sunny".
Billy's relationship with The Beatles stemmed from his 1960's touring stint with Little Richard (for whom The Beatles opened), and expedited his signing with Apple Records. Preston has been universally accepted as the "fifth Beatle" due to his work on the group's Let It Be and Abbey Road albums, as well as the landmark White Album and his presence on screen in the films "The Complete Beatles" and "Let It Be." Billy also performed with The Beatles during their historic rooftop final concert. In the late 60s, Billy worked with John Lennon and Yoko Ono on their solo Plastic Ono Band album, as well as on Ringo Starr's solo single "Oh My My," and George Harrison's American Tour. Preston's international hit "That's The Way God Planned It" was one of the highlights of Harrison's Bangladesh concert and subsequent film.
Preston's name and fame were solidified when he scored a string of #1 hit singles: the Grammy winning "Outa-Space," "Will It Go Round In Circles," "Nothin From Nothing," and "Space Race". He also penned the gold standard "You Are So Beautiful" performed by Joe Cocker. In addition, Billy's duet with Syreeta, "With You I'm Born Again" from the motion picture Fast Break, became an international hit. Billy was now universally acclaimed by the media and concert goers as an established star and an entertainer that had to be seen.
Billy opened for the Rolling Stones on their 1974 tour and remained with them for three years, while touring Europe with his own band - Billy Preston and The God Squad. Members of the God Squad later formed Rufus and The Brothers Johnson. His move into films was further testament to this remarkable creative abilities. He wrote the title song for a series of box office champions. Quincy Jones' "In The Heat Of The Night," "O'Hara's Wife," "Never Gonna Say Good-Bye" and "Fast Break." In addition, Preston wrote the title song and soundtrack for the Jim Brown film "Slaughter" and with Quincy Jones, co-wrote the score for "They Call Me Mr. Tibbs." Preston was also featured in the role of Sgt. Pepper and performed "Get Back" in The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" film.
Billy continues entertaining enthusiastic audiences, creating new music for many artists and projects.
Billy Preston is an artist of distinction and rare ability, his show remains fresh, energized and popular. Although he has always had to juggle his schedule to meet his many demands, he remains dedicated to his audience and will always be a live performer who brings a rare magic to the stage.
