American keyboardist, singer, and songwriter whose work encompassed rhythm & blues, soul, funk, and gospel. Born September 2, 1946, Houston, Texas, but raised mostly in Los Angeles, California. Died June 6, 2006, Scottsdale, Arizona.
In addition to his successful, Grammy Award-winning career as a solo artist, he collaborated with some of the greatest names in the music industry, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Band, Nat King Cole, Little Richard, Eric Burdon, Ray Charles, George Harrison, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, King Curtis, Sammy Davis Jr., Aretha Franklin, The Jackson 5, Quincy Jones, Mick Jagger, Richie Sambora, Sly Stone, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ringo Starr. He played the Fender Rhodes electric piano and the Hammond organ on the "Get Back" sessions in 1969.
Preston and Tony Sheridan are the only two non-Beatles to receive billing as an artist alongside the Beatles (as distinct from receiving credit as a session musician on album packaging) on an official Beatles record release. The label of the Get Back single credits the artists on the record as The Beatles with Billy Preston.
He was inducted into the Class of 2021 of the Rock and Roll Hall Fame with the Musical Excellence Award.
He was son of Robbie Preston Williams and half-brother of Rodena Preston. Another one member of his family was Vernetta Preston Alberga.
2013
Outta Sight
7", Single
2011
BGO Records
CD, Album, RM + CD, Album, RM + Comp
2008
American Legends
CD, Comp, RM
2007
Forever Gold
CD, Comp
2007
OK Records (6), OK Records (6)
2xCD, Comp
2006
Pazzazz
2xCD, Comp
2006
Pazzazz
CD, Comp
2006
Pazzazz
CD, Comp
2005
Fruit Tree
CD, Comp
2005
Classic World Productions Inc.
CD, Comp
2005
2004
Billy Preston's Studio
CD, EP, Ltd, Promo
2004
EMI, Stateside
CD, Comp
2004
Indie Records
CD, Comp
2003
Vampi Soul
CD, Album, Comp
2003
Ricordi
CD, Single, Promo
2002
2001
MCG Records
CD, Album
2001
RPM Records (2), Shout! Records
CD, Comp
2001
Just Music (3)
12", Single
2000
Purple Pyramid
CD, Comp, RM
2000
1999
Auto Pilot
CD, Comp
1999
1998
1997
Just Music (3)
12"
1997
Fuego (4)
CD, Comp
1997
1996
1995
1995
1995
1991
Outer Space Records
12", W/Lbl, Sta
1991
Motorcity Records
12", Single
1991
Smash One Music
VHS, Promo, PAL
1991
1990
Emotion
CD, Comp
1989
1988
Polydor
CD, Comp
1988
Premiere Radio Networks
LP, Transcription
1988
A&M (2)
CD, Album, Comp
1988
1987
BBC Radioplay Music
LP, Comp
1987
1986
Glen Disc
7"
1986
1986
1986
1985
1984
Megatone Records, Merak Music
7", Jukebox
1984
1984
1984
1984
1983
Motown
12", Maxi
1982
BBC Radioplay Music
LP, Comp
1982
TRAV
7", Transcription
1982
Curcio
Cass, Comp
1982
1982
1982
1982
1982
1982
1982
1981
Motown
LP, Comp
1981
A Private Collection
Cass, Album, Comp
1981
Motown
7", Single, Promo
1981
Motown
7", Single
1981
1981
1981
1981
1981
1981
1981
1981
1980
A&M Records
LP, Comp, Par
1980
Motown
7", Single
1980
Motown, EMI
7", Jukebox, Promo
1980
Myrrh
7", Single
1980
TRAV
7", Transcription
1980
Tonodisc
LP, Comp
1980
Motown Sound System. Inc.
LP, Promo
1980
Motown Sound Systems Inc., Motown
LP, Promo
1980
1980
1980
1980
1980
1979
Motown
7", Single
1979
Rolling Stones Records, Motown
7", Promo
1979
Motown
12", Single
1979
1979
1979
1979
1979
1978
A&M Records
7", Single
1978
A&M Records
7"
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https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/preston-billy-1946-2006/
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/billy-preston-crucial-role-the-beatles/
https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/07/arts/07iht-web.0607preston.1906957.html
https://www.geni.com/people/William-Billy-Everett-Preston/310248661330003868
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14524361/billy-everett-preston