Robbie Preston Williams

Born April 13, 1917: Robbie Preston Williams was a Keyboardist and Gospel singer and the mother of Billy Preston and Rodena Preston. She is credited for being the inspiration to her son, Billy Preston’s music as he wrote the lyrics to “You Are So Beautiful” in honor of his mother. As an accomplished musician herself, she encouraged her son to play piano, leading him to a career performing and recording solo and with The Beatles, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin. She was a founder member of the gospel group, Ladies Of Song. Williams was known in the African American community for her gospel performances and her long tenure as pianist at Victory Baptist Church. Earlier in her career, she toured nationally as “Sapphire™ in the live touring company of “Amos ‘N Andy.” She died in 2005 at her home in Los Angeles, California at the age of 87.