Billy Preston

Billy Preston (1946–2006) was an American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist whose gospel-rooted playing shaped recordings by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and many other artists.

The Beatles: The English rock band whose songwriting and recordings transformed popular music in the 1960s. Preston played keyboards on the Beatles’ final studio album sessions and was credited alongside the band on “Get Back.”
Get Back: A 1969 Beatles song released as a single and later included on the album Let It Be. Preston’s electric piano is central to the recording, which credited “The Beatles with Billy Preston.”
Hammond organ: An electric organ that produces tones through rotating tone wheels and is often paired with a Leslie speaker. Preston’s organ playing carried gospel phrasing into rock and soul recordings.
Session musician: A musician hired to perform on recordings, broadcasts, or live productions without being a permanent band member. Preston’s prolific work for other artists made him one of popular music’s most visible session players.
Houston: A major city in southeastern Texas and the largest city in the state. Preston was born in Houston in 1946 before his family moved to Los Angeles.
The Rolling Stones: The English rock band formed in London in 1962, known for blues-influenced rock music. Preston toured and recorded with the group, contributing keyboards and backing vocals.
Let It Be: The Beatles’ 1970 album, largely assembled from recordings made during the Get Back sessions. Preston played electric piano and organ on several tracks during the sessions.
Clavinet: An amplified keyboard instrument with a bright, percussive tone produced by plucked strings. Its sharp attacks suited Preston’s rhythmic funk and soul keyboard parts.
Let It Be (film): A 1970 documentary film depicting the Beatles rehearsing and recording during the Get Back sessions. Its footage captures Preston playing with the Beatles and easing tensions in the sessions.
African-American gospel: A tradition of Christian music shaped by African American church worship, spirituals, and blues. Preston’s early church performance grounded the gospel influence heard throughout his career.

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George HarrisonRelated: Preston’s keyboards added a distinctive gospel and soul sound to Beatles recordings and performances.