Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

September 2, 1946 in Houston, TX

Death

:

June 6, 2006 in Scottsdale, AZ

 

Billy Preston was an American musician, composer, and singer who was born on September 2, 1946, in Houston, Texas. He was the son of a minister and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a pianist and his father played the guitar. Preston began playing the piano at the age of three and by the age of ten, he was playing the organ in his father's church. Preston's talent was recognized early on, and he was soon playing with gospel groups and touring with the likes of Mahalia Jackson and James Cleveland. In 1962, at the age of 16, he moved to Los Angeles and began playing with Ray Charles. He played on Charles' hit song "What'd I Say" and toured with him for several years. In 1965, Preston signed with Capitol Records and released his first album, "The Most Exciting Organ Ever." The album showcased his skills on the Hammond B-3 organ and established him as a rising star in the world of soul and R&B music. Over the next few years, Preston played with a number of other artists, including Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and the Beatles. He first met the Beatles in 1962 when they were both playing in Hamburg, Germany. He later played on several of their albums, including "Let It Be" and "Abbey Road." He also played on solo albums by John Lennon and George Harrison. In addition to his work as a session musician, Preston continued to release his own albums throughout the 1970s. His 1972 album "Music Is My Life" included the hit single "Outa-Space," which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. He also had hits with songs like "Will It Go Round in Circles" and "Nothing from Nothing." Preston's music was a blend of soul, funk, and rock, and he was known for his energetic performances and his skills on the keyboard. He was also a talented singer and often sang lead vocals on his own songs. In the late 1970s, Preston's career began to slow down. He struggled with drug addiction and legal problems, and his music fell out of favor with the public. However, he continued to play and record music throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and he remained a respected figure in the music industry. Preston died on June 6, 2006, at the age of 59. He had been suffering from kidney disease and had undergone a kidney transplant in 2002. His death was mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike, and he was remembered as a talented and influential musician who had left a lasting mark on the world of music. Throughout his career, Billy Preston composed and performed a wide range of music, from soulful ballads to upbeat funk and rock songs. His music was characterized by his skillful keyboard playing, his powerful vocals, and his ability to blend different genres and styles into a unique sound that was all his own. Some of his most notable works include "Outa-Space," "Will It Go Round in Circles," "Nothing from Nothing," and "You Are So Beautiful," which he co-wrote with Bruce Fisher and which became a hit for Joe Cocker. He also composed music for films, including "The Kids Are Alright" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." In addition to his musical accomplishments, Preston was also known for his collaborations with other artists. He played with some of the biggest names in music, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Aretha Franklin. He was also a member of the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, which included George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne.

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