Billy Preston passed away today

[Ric325]

He had been in a coma since November, He will be greatly missed


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,198353,00.html

[FPSHOT]

OMG OMG OMG

This is realy sad sad news....

Let's think of Billy and his loved ones....he was a very special man

[motherTheresa]

i just heard this on the radio! :cry1: i just watched concert for

george the other night...and so enjoyed his version of "my sweet lord."

his smile could light up the room......it was megawatt!

[LucyLennon4me]

very sad.

Fly to Heaven Billy! Your suffering here is over.

[twovirgins]

rest in peace
http://www.beatlebrunch.com/images/billy/Ford_and_George.jpg

[Rellevart]

I am so sorry to read this...Billy had an enthusiasm and energy about him that I will not soon forget. RIP, Billy... :sad1:

[SF4-EVER]

This is the first thing that caught my eye when I logged onto Beatlelinks. What a shame. :sad1:

[beatlegirl9977]

Sad, sad news. :sad1: He'll be greatly missed.

[BrazilianFlag]

Go peacefully, Billy. Thanks for the music and all the smiles.

[Harry]

Lets hope he meets his friends john and george up there.


rip

[BeatlesFan4life]

My heart and prayers go to Billy Preston's family and friends.

[pattiboyd's slave]

http://www.yellow-sub.net/images/cfbd05.jpg

[biglou114]

:cry5: RIP Billy :cry5:

[Magill]

He fought a long, hard fight with his illnesses. He's free of it all now. RIP, Billy. Missing you already! :cry2:

[Asha]

Oh my!! This is SO sad! :cry5: :cry5: :cry5:

I'm just so sad! I so loved Billy & met him a few times.

Such a SWEETHEART!!! :heart1:

I love ya, Billy!!! Thank you for everything!
:kiss3: :kiss3: :kiss3:

[rubbersoulster_mel]

That is such sad news. Even sadder when I think that it was only a year ago he was on the American Idol finale performing as great as ever. :cry1:

Thank you Billy... your talent and smiles will not be forgotten!!

[Jerry]

Very sad. I was lucky to see him live a few times, definitely with Ringo and I could swear he was with Eric Clapton too. And then about 10 years ago at a music convention in LA, I also saw him wandering around. I ran around from vendor to vendor and found the nearest copy of the "Get Back" single. The single is credited to The Beatles & Billy Preston, which was the only one like it. He happily signed it for me, which was really cool.

[Asha]

Very sad. I was lucky to see him live a few times, definitely with Ringo and I could swear he was with Eric Clapton too. And then about 10 years ago at a music convention in LA, I also saw him wandering around. I ran around from vendor to vendor and found the nearest copy of the "Get Back" single. The single is credited to The Beatles & Billy Preston, which was the only one like it. He happily signed it for me, which was really cool.

Yeah, Jerry! He did tour with Clapton one time. In fact, he'd had some heart issues & had to take a break while the tour continued without him & then he rejoined. I saw that tour out in the LA area then. I was SO happy to see him when he walked out on stage that night.

[Fluxus]

I just hear it on Air America! I'mn crushed but new things looked bad.

My very first 45 was "Will It Go Round in Circles." His performance at the 2002 Concert For George (Harrison) stole the show. I saw him last September at the Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle and he was fantastic. Here's the news blurb:


<a href= http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/06/obit.preston.ap/index.html>www.cnn.com</a>

[Jerry]

Make that "The Beatles WITH Billy Preston"...

http://www.wees.0catch.com/apple/2490a5.jpg

http://www.wees.0catch.com/apple/2490b5.jpg

[Love Fest1969]

He was a great musician

[Magill]

I was just looking up at Blackguard's signed 45 copy of "Space Race". He put it up on the shelf over our pc when he heard Billy was sick. So to keep Billy in our thoughts. There's probably no bigger fan of Billy's than our own Linker, Blackguard. *sigh* :sad1:

[Legs]

Just read the sad news.
Rest in peace Billy.

[Fluxus]

I would never trust Fox News with anything approaching the truth, but their RIP says Billy played on The White Album. True?

[Legs]

Very sad. I was lucky to see him live a few times, definitely with Ringo and I could swear he was with Eric Clapton too.

The only time I saw hime live was with Eric a few years back.

[twovirgins]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/Mslaerik/billyhari74.jpg

[Jerry]

I would never trust Fox News with anything approaching the truth, but their RIP says Billy played on The White Album. True?

Definitely not the White Album. He was there in January 1969 for sure, during the final week or so of the "Get Back" sessions. I'm not sure if he's on anything else though. I wouldn't be surprised if they brought him in during one of the 'Abbey Road' LP sessions.

[Magill]

I thought this was a nice article from CNN OnlineNews.


'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston dies at 59
Manager: Preston had chronic kidney failure

Tuesday, June 6, 2006; Posted: 2:26 p.m. EDT (18:26 GMT)

http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/06/obit.preston.ap/story.ringo.preston.gi.jpg
Billy Preston and Ringo Starr attend an October 2005 gala event at the Warner lot in Burbank, California.


Billy Preston
PHOENIX, Arizona (AP) -- Billy Preston, the exuberant keyboardist who landed dream gigs with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and enjoyed his own series of hit singles, including "Outta Space" and "Nothing From Nothing," died Tuesday at 59.

Preston's longtime manager, Joyce Moore, said Preston had been in a coma since November in a care facility and was taken to a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, Saturday after his condition deteriorated.

"He had a very, very beautiful last few hours and a really beautiful passing," Moore said by telephone from Germany. "He went home good."

Preston had battled chronic kidney failure, and he received a kidney transplant in 2002. But the kidney failed and he has been on dialysis ever since, Moore said earlier this year.

Known for his big smile and towering Afro, Preston was a teen prodigy on the piano and organ, and lent his gospel-tinged touch to classics such as the Beatles' "Get Back" and the Stones' "Can't You Hear Me Knocking?"

He broke out as a solo artist in the 1970s, winning a best instrumental Grammy in 1973 for "Outta Space," and scoring other hits with "Will It Go 'Round In Circles," "Nothing From Nothing" and "With You I'm Born Again," a duet with Syreeta Wright.

He also wrote Joe Cocker's weeper, "You Are So Beautiful," and co-wrote with Quincy Jones the score for 1970 movie "They Call Me Mr. Tibbs." Other achievements included being a musical guest on the 1975 debut of "Saturday Night Live," and having a song named after him by Miles Davis. Among his film credits: "Blues Brothers 2000" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

Preston's partnership with the Beatles began in early 1969 when friend George Harrison recruited him to play on "Let It Be," a back-to-basics film and record project that nearly broke down because of feuding among band members. Harrison himself quit at one point, walking out on camera after arguing with Paul McCartney.

Preston not only inspired the Beatles to get along -- Harrison likened his effect to a feuding family staying on its best behavior in front of a guest -- but contributed a light, bluesy solo to "Get Back," performing the song with the band on its legendary "roof top" concert, the last time the Beatles played live. He was one of many sometimes labeled "The Fifth Beatle."

Preston remained close to Harrison and performed at Harrison's all-star charity event, "The Concert for Bangladesh" and at the "Concert for George," a tribute to Harrison, who died of cancer in 2001. He played on solo records by Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon.

Preston also toured and recorded extensively with the Rolling Stones, playing on such classic albums as "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main Street." In the mid-'70s, he parted from the Stones, reportedly unhappy over not getting proper credit for "Melody" and other songs. He reunited with the band in 1997 on its "Bridges to Babylon" record.

His sessions credits included Aretha Franklin's "Young, Gifted and Black," Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" and Sly and Family Stone's "There's a Riot Goin' On," three of the most acclaimed albums of the past 35 years.

The Houston native earned his performance chops at age 10 playing the keyboard for gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, and at 12 portraying a young W. C. Handy in the 1958 biopic "St. Louis Blues."

He toured with mentors and fellow piano greats Ray Charles and Little Richard in the early 1960s, first encountering the Beatles while on the road in Germany.

Preston had numerous personal troubles in recent years. In 1992, he was given a suspended jail sentence, but ordered incarcerated for nine months at a drug rehabilitation center for his no-contest pleas to cocaine and assault charges.

Five years later, he was sentenced to three years in prison for violating probation. In 1998, he pleaded guilty to insurance fraud and agreed to testify against other defendants in an alleged scam that netted about $1 million.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

[Drummer93091]

I'm so sorry to hear this news. I met him at Beatlefest and I have a picture of him with me in my room. He was so nice.

By the way, Ric325 - nice icon! (I got the same one.)

[VersusBatman]

Sad to hear about this.

[Bexy_Starkey]

Goodbye Billy, I'll miss you...

[HMVNipper]

Such sad, sad news. I came home from an event at my son's school to see this on the wires. Billy will be greatly missed.

[Georgie Girl]

I just saw this on CNN. I knew his health was really
bad for a long time, but it's still very upsetting to hear
he's gone. I remember seeing his performance on the
Concert for Bangladesh. I loved his song "That's the
Way God Planned It", a highlight of the show. One of
my brothers had "Will It Go Round in Circles" on a 45.
And he gave a very spunky performance in the film "Sgt.
Pepper," singing "Get Back," one of that film's few saving graces. :smile1:

I also loved the beautiful duet he did with Syreeta,
I think it's called "I'm Born Again." She was married to
Stevie Wonder at one time--she passed away herself
about a year or so ago.

So many wonderful musicians gone. :sad2:

[Georgie Girl]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/Mslaerik/billyhari74.jpgI love this picture! Everybody on that plane seemed to be having a good time! :laugh5:

[chaitanya]

so sad,rest in peace Billy,give my regards to George and John.

[MaccaGirl2891]

RIP Billy. The keyboard stuff was great, and I enjoyed the performance and sweet footwork when he was in the Sgt. Pepper movie.

[sourmilkpinky]

Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers to his friends and family.

[Hari's Chick]

Awww...

I remember Billy was quite philosophical about George's passing, smiling and remembering George, but not weepily. Perhaps that was also a reflection of his own faith and that he may also face his own passing philosophically and openly as well. God bless Billy on his journey... I am sure George has a big hug waiting for him.

[Hari's Chick]

Oh, I remember those fan questionaires the stars would fill out in the 60's and 70's. They published one of George, comparing it to his old 60's one. In the newer one instead of listing Peter and Harry as his brothers he had "Billy Preston" listed as his brother.

[ringo_rama]

Very, very sad news. Obviously I'd never met Billy but he always seemed like a kind soul. Truly a shame he died so young...RIP Billy.

[Asha]

I am sure George has a big hug waiting for him.

Now that I can imagine! I'm sure it's true! :heart1:
Nice thought, HC! Thanks!

[anurag]

RIP Billy

[.Psychedelic.Stars.]

That's such sad news. :cry5: RIP Billy.

[VivianC]

Goodbye Billy, God bless!

[donnamariemoreno27]

I love ya Billy brother...I saw him last year at the NJ b- fest last March (2005) and he was just so nice to me, talked & posed for some pics with me as well...now mind ya, he wasn't in the greatest health then but he took the time to sign autographs at his table & talk to his fans...

Yeah...you'll be in a much better place and you'll have your buddy George to hang out with now...God be with you...my condolences to his family & friend's as well...

Donna~

[Pepperland Kamer]

R.I.P. to one of the real fifth Beatles

[jtal909]

He always seemed to be smiling.

RIP Billy.

[beatlegeek]

That's the way God planned it... :nono1:

[matt5]

He always seemed to be smiling.



That is what I was thinking.

Goodbye Billy.

[darkhorse]

Truly a shame. He seemed to be this very energetic man (remember his dancing in "That's The Way God Planned It" in the Concert for Bangladesh?), with a big heart.

I could swear I've read he played on "Something" from Abbey Road (but I could be wrong of course).

Rest in peace, Billy, God bless you.

[Georgie Girl]

Awww...
God bless Billy on his journey... I am sure George has a big hug waiting for him.
http://photobucket.com/albums/v628/DARKHORSE/preston-george_01.jpg


Yes, I can imagine that, too. :sad2:

[Jocelyn]

Yep, I can well imagine it too ...

RIP Billy :(

[Love Fest1969]

http://photobucket.com/albums/v628/DARKHORSE/preston-george_01.jpg


Yes, I can imagine that, too. :sad2:

Great picture.

[Cream Tangerine]

OMG...
:sad3:
Billy Preston, RIP...

[Roxy Starkey]

This is really sad...

Rest in Peace, Billy... God bless you. :sad1:

[Blackguard]

I remember meeting Billy Preston at Beatlefest last year. He was a longtime idol of mine, and to meet him was the utmost for me. Magill didn't seem to mind that he was about 3 feet away from her either. We both had big smiles and got a little giddy about meeting him. I thanked him opening me up to a wider range of music. The song "Space Race" was my first venture into electronic music. From there I was able to enjoy Gary Wright, Kraftwerk, Devo and a host of others who used a synth.

Billy Preston may have left us. But he will never be far from us.

His music will live on, and he too will live on.

Billy, Say hi to George and John for us. We miss them too. And if you run into Buddy Holly or Ray Charles give them our best. Thanks for everything Billy and enjoy your rest.

[erinluv182]

This is so very sad. But we have all been blessed by his incredible gift of music, and his never wavering smile. Thanks so much for everything, Billy.

[FPSHOT]

Awww...

I remember Billy was quite philosophical about George's passing, smiling and remembering George, but not weepily. Perhaps that was also a reflection of his own faith and that he may also face his own passing philosophically and openly as well. God bless Billy on his journey... I am sure George has a big hug waiting for him.

Beautiful words :heart1:

[Isn't it good]

We'll miss you and your music Billy.

[AnotherGirl83]

This is such sad news! Actually, I heard early this morning, as I opened the newspaper. :( :(

[Maxine]

How sad! RIP, Billy! :sad3:

[Siobhan]

Very sad news, he was such a great musician, and a huge personality. I was lucky enough to see him at CFG and his performance was brilliant. And who can forget his appearance at the Concert for Bangla Desh, such terrific energy and always with a big smile. He will be very sadly missed.

[L'Angelo Misterioso]

Thank you for your beautiful music Billy. :wave1:

[Mean Mister Mustard]

Billy Preston had a great voice in his own right.

His energy in the "Let It Be" sessions is well documented, and I recall seeing an impromptu performance of his on piano of "Get Back."

He bounced off such a positive vibe. It is very sad to see him go far too young.

[lennonluvr9]

That's sad! I just found out yesterday night when i got home from work. RIP Billy....

[Starry-eyed]

Meeting Billy was a highlight for me, for sure. I'll always remember when we were waiting in line to get his autograph, how he was bopping his head to his Beatles tribute CD sampler which was playing in the room, and how happy he was, full of smiles and very nice. He will certainly be missed. RIP, Billy.

[joenamherst]

In the immortal words of his friend, Hari:
"Sunrise doesn't last all morning
A cloudburst doesn't last all day
Seems my love is up
And has left you with no warning
But it's not always going to be this grey
All things must pass, all things must pass away........."

[cryforashadow]

I just found out today! I didn't even know he was in a coma! Maybe I heard and just forgot, but anyway this is really sad news. I was begging my parents to take me to one of the BeatleFests that he was at, but I didn't get to go. Around that same time I had a dream where Billy Preston and I were hanging out, but it never happend for real. I'm so sad to read about his passing, and I just hope he is in a better place. Thanks for all the music and you're smile Billy! You will be greatly missed!:cry2::cry5:

[AMBOISVERT]

We should all be so lucky as Billy, to have an amazing career, and meet death in the middle of doing great work. I loved his performances in "Bangladesh," "Concert for George" (especially "Isn't it a Pity") and his version of "Imagine" from the post 9-11 Lennon tribute. And his solos on "Get Back" and 'Don't Let me Down" are just sweet.

Several obits I've looked at mention him contributing to the White Album and ABBEY ROAD as well as LET IT BE. But I don't recall ever seeing any evidence for this.

A sad day for Rock and Roll.

Tony

[pattiboyd's slave]

http://www.beatles.com/hub/gfx/articles/letItBe/Billy%20Preston%20on%20keyboards.jpg

[Buckeye Beatle]

Very sad news indeed. Rest In Peace Billy. May God comfort his family and friends.

[beatles fan]

Very upsetting! Great guy! :sad1: :sad1: :sad1:

[VersusBatman]

http://www.beatles.com/hub/gfx/articles/letItBe/Billy%20Preston%20on%20keyboards.jpg
Aw, that's a nice picture!

[Ringo77]

The music in Heaven just gained a lot more soul...

We all love you, Billy Preston!!!!!!!!!

[BeatleChick]

Very, very, very sad news this. All the best to his friends, and family, and to his soul, as it travels on.

We'll miss you, Billy!

[DizzymissLizzy909]

I was very sad to hear this... I remember reading in the past several months that his health was going downhill, but I didn't seem to realize then how bad he was really doing. We'll miss you Billy, thank you for all your contributions and legacies to the music world...

[Asha]

This was posted on his site to clarify what happened...

So sad!

http://www.billypreston.net/

"He did not go into the coma due to kidney failure or a failed transplant. He was not properly treated for pericarditas while in the Los Angeles area and suffered respiratory arrest holding Joyce Moore's hand for dear life itself, in the ICU unit of a local LA hospital on November 21, 2005, from which he never fully recovered."

[taxman]

Very sad news indeed.
May he rest in peace.

[pattiboyd's slave]

http://www.sohoblues.com/lennontribute/previewpages/preview12.jpg

[pattiboyd's slave]

http://www.sparavel.com/images/concert09.jpg

[twovirgins]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VizaIB-Wwx0&search=billy%20preston

[Legs]

Hearing Billy's song again it made me think of two George songs. "Something" is one, and the other is less obvious because it's an unreleased song. "Gopala Krishna".

[Loony_leo]

Wow..... I'm just totally shocked, how very sad. RIP Billy.

[beatlelover45223]

:cry2: RIP Billy.

[thepandoras]

Bye sir.

[twovirgins]

http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/33472250

Billy Preston's memory honored in Calif.

06/20/2006 8:20 PM, AP


Little Richard and Joe Cocker joined hundreds of friends and relatives of Billy Preston in celebrating his musical legacy during an upbeat funeral Tuesday.

A brass band played "Amazing Grace" during a service filled with tributes to the prolific songwriter and musician who played with the Beatles so often he was sometimes called the fifth member of the band.

Preston died June 6 in a hospital in Scottsdale, Ariz., at age 59. He battled chronic kidney failure, received a kidney transplant in 2002 and had been in a coma since November.

"He made that piano walk and talk," Little Richard, who toured with Preston in the early 1960s, told the crowd that filled Faithful Central Bible Church's Tabernacle Worship Center. "There's nobody in this world who could play the piano like Billy Preston."

Cocker sang the ballad "You Are So Beautiful," which Preston wrote but was made famous by the raspy-voiced singer.

The mourners also heard letters written by Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones and others who toured with Preston.

"I am deeply saddened to lose such a wonderful friend," McCartney wrote. "I love you Billy."

Bonnie Raitt, also in a letter, said Preston was "one of the most soulful artists I ever knew."

In addition to his healthy solo career, Preston toured and recorded with the Rolling Stones and performed in recording sessions with Aretha Franklin, Sly and the Family Stone and Bob Dylan.

A teen prodigy on the piano and organ, Preston lent his gospel-tinged touch to classics such as the Beatles' "Get Back" and the Stones' "Can't You Hear Me Knocking?"

He broke out as a solo artist in the 1970s, winning a best instrumental Grammy in 1973 for "Outta Space," and scoring other hits with "Will It Go 'Round In Circles" and "Nothing From Nothing."

His duet with Syreeta Wright, "With You I'm Born Again," became a favorite at weddings.

In 1975, Preston sang on the debut of "Saturday Night Live."