William Everett Preston (September 2, 1946 – June 6, 2006) was an American keyboardist, singer and songwriter whose work encompassed R&B, rock, soul, funk, and gospel. Preston was a top session keyboardist in the 1960s, backing Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, Reverend James Cleveland, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. He gained attention as a solo artist with hit singles "That's the Way God Planned It", the Grammy-winning "Outa-Space", "Will It Go Round in Circles", "Space Race", "Nothing from Nothing", and "With You I'm Born Again". Additionally, Preston co-wrote "You Are So Beautiful", which became a #5 hit for Joe Cocker.
Preston is the only musician to be given a credit on a Beatles recording, which was done at the band's request; the group's 1969 single "Get Back" was credited as "The Beatles with Billy Preston". He continued to record and perform with George Harrison after the Beatles' breakup, along with other artists such as Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones on many of the group's albums and tours during the 1970s. Preston was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence Award category in 2021.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played his contributing track with the Beatles' 'Get Back' on his radio shows and would play the keyboardist' single and tracks from his album, 'That's The Way God Planned It'. No further tracks from the artist were played after the 60's on his programmes, according to available tracklistings on this site.
Shows Played[]
- 13 April 1969 (with The Beatles): Get Back (7") Apple
- 29 June 1969: That's The Way God Planned It (single) Apple
- 24 August 1969: This Is It (LP - That's The Way God Planned It) Apple
- 31 August 1969: That's The Way God Planned It (LP - That's The Way God Planned It) Apple