The only artist to be featured on a Beatles record by name– Billy Preston, on “Get Back.” He died in 2006. Today would have been his 70th birthday. Watch the exclusive video tribute of Billy singing the song he co-wrote “You Are So Beautiful” with “Soul Man” Sam Moore. It was his last recording, with Eric Clapton on guitar.
Billy played on records by The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Sly and the Family Stone, and so many more. He also had major hits still heard round the clock today, like “Nothing from Nothing” and “Will it Go Round in Circles.” He was one of the few artists signed to the Beatles’ Apple Records, where he had another hit with “That’s the Way God Planned It.” Keith Richards wrote in his memoir that Billy came up with the riff for “Miss You.” Makes sense.
He started out at 16, playing with Little Richard and Ray Charles. Aretha Franklin was one of his best friends. It was quite a career. Happy Birthday Billy! You will not be forgotten!
Nothing from Nothing
Get Back
