Billy Preston was more than just a sideman; he was a musical powerhouse whose contributions enriched some of the greatest bands in rock history and propelled him to solo stardom. While his collaborations with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones are legendary, Preston carved out his own impressive path, delivering a string of hit songs that showcased his unique blend of funk, gospel, and soul. This exploration delves into the top Billy Preston Songs, celebrating the breadth and depth of his incredible talent.
Billy Preston’s Deep Roots: From Ray Charles to Rock Royalty
Before becoming a household name through his work with rock icons, Billy Preston’s musical journey was deeply rooted in gospel and R&B, most notably through his formative years touring with the legendary Ray Charles. Charles recognized Preston’s exceptional talent early on, famously stating his desire for Preston to “carry on the work I started.” This mentorship shaped Preston’s sound, blending the spiritual fervor of gospel with the rhythmic drive of R&B, a formula he would refine throughout his career.
Image alt text: Billy Preston, known for his energetic keyboard playing and large afro, performing on stage.
Preston emerged during the rise of funk, incorporating this exciting new genre into his musical palette. His performances were captivating, marked by his signature sky-high afro that seemed to move with every note, and a wide, infectious smile that radiated joy. Beneath the charismatic persona, however, lay a serious musical talent that produced hit after hit between 1969 and 1974. Despite personal struggles that marked his life, Billy Preston left behind a legacy of uplifting and innovative music.
Top 10 Billy Preston Songs: A Journey Through His Greatest Hits
This list celebrates ten standout tracks that exemplify Billy Preston’s musical genius, from his gospel-infused early work to his funk-laden chart-toppers.
10. “That’s the Way God Planned It” (1969)
“That’s the Way God Planned It” marked Preston’s debut on Apple Records, directly resulting from his guest appearance on the Beatles’ “Get Back.” Produced by George Harrison, this title track is an all-star affair, featuring Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Ginger Baker. In such company, many artists might be overshadowed, but Preston’s exuberant delivery shines through, propelling the song to No. 11 on the U.K. charts. The infectious joy of “That’s the Way God Planned It” also translated powerfully to live performance, becoming a highlight of the Concert for Bangladesh in 1972, where Preston was again joined by Harrison and Clapton.
Image alt text: Billy Preston energetically singing and playing the organ at the Concert for Bangladesh.
9. “Saint of Me” (with the Rolling Stones, 1997)
Decades after his initial collaborations, Preston rejoined the Rolling Stones as a sideman and arranger for “Saint of Me” from their Bridges to Babylon album. This collaboration felt particularly fitting given Preston’s long history with the band and the song’s themes of redemption, echoing his personal battles. His presence on “Saint of Me” highlights a unique period in Rolling Stones’ recording history, where they embraced collaborations with diverse musicians. Alongside Preston, the track also features Meshell Ndegeocello and even production input from the Dust Brothers, demonstrating the Stones’ willingness to experiment and evolve their sound.
8. “I Wrote a Simple Song” (1971)
With “I Wrote a Simple Song,” the title track of his 1971 album, Preston began to assert himself as a solo artist beyond his Beatles association. While George Harrison contributed dobro to this track and guitar to others on the album, Preston took on self-production for the first time after moving from Apple Records to A&M. This gospel-infused song, though showcasing his songwriting and performance abilities, was surprisingly overshadowed by its B-side, the funk-driven “Outa-Space.” Despite Preston’s initial preference for “Outa-Space” as the A-side, “I Wrote a Simple Song” remains a testament to his soulful songwriting.
7. “Melody” (with the Rolling Stones, 1976)
Billy Preston’s influence on the Rolling Stones’ “Melody” from Black and Blue was so profound that the album liner notes explicitly stated the song was “inspired by” him. Mick Jagger described the song’s genesis as stemming from musical explorations with Preston on “just piano and voice.” While the final version of “Melody” is heavily layered, its core rhythm and melody were undeniably shaped by Preston’s input. Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman even acknowledged Preston’s significant contribution by giving him songwriting credit when covering “Melody” with his band, the Rhythm Kings, further solidifying Preston’s integral role in the song’s creation.
6. “Outa-Space” (1971)
“Outa-Space” is a groundbreaking track that cemented Billy Preston’s place in funk history. Its infectious groove and innovative keyboard work, achieved by running a clavinet through a wah-wah pedal, created a truly unique and “out-of-this-world” sound. This Grammy-winning instrumental hit reached No. 2 on the charts and became the most successful of Preston’s series of space-themed songs, including “Space Race” and “Go Where No One’s Gone Before.” “Outa-Space,” initially a B-side, was discovered by DJs and became a sensation, prefiguring the integration of synthesizers into R&B and the development of trippy funk subgenres.
Image alt text: Close-up of Billy Preston playing a clavinet, highlighting the wah-wah pedal used in “Outa-Space”.
5. “Get Back” (with the Beatles, 1969)
Billy Preston’s association with the Beatles, which ultimately led to his solo career launch on Apple Records, began years earlier as a sideman. He first met the band during a 1962 tour while playing with Little Richard. George Harrison reconnected with Preston after seeing him perform with Ray Charles, hoping his calming presence would ease tensions within the Beatles during a difficult period. The strategy worked, and “Get Back,” featuring Preston on keyboards, became a chart-topping single from the Let It Be project. Preston’s contribution to “Get Back” was crucial, adding a soulful dimension to the song and earning him prominent credit on a Beatles record.
4. “Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)” (with the Rolling Stones, 1973)
Once again utilizing his signature clavinet-wah-wah pedal combination, Preston contributed significantly to the chugging rhythm of the Rolling Stones’ “Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker).” Rolling Stone magazine aptly described the song as “[urban R&B],” acknowledging the distinct influence Preston brought to the Stones’ sound. Beyond the clavinet, Preston also added a softer touch with an RMI Electra piano on the verses. 1973 also marked the beginning of Preston’s touring tenure with the Rolling Stones, where he became a featured performer, often showcasing a live version of “Outa-Space” during his spotlight moments.
3. “Nothing From Nothing” (1974)
“Nothing From Nothing” became Billy Preston’s second chart-topping hit, proving that sometimes, musical magic can emerge from the most unexpected places. The song’s inspiration came from an old saying that sparked Preston’s creativity backstage in Atlanta. However, it was the instrumental arrangement that truly elevated the track. Preston himself noted, “The saloon piano gave it character,” recognizing the unique sonic element that contributed to the song’s appeal. Its sing-along quality made “Nothing From Nothing” an instant crowd-pleaser, and Preston further cemented its place in pop culture by performing it on the very first musical performance on Saturday Night Live.
2. “Don’t Let Me Down” (with the Beatles, 1969)
Billy Preston’s credit as a performer on a Beatles record is a rare honor, shared with only Tony Sheridan outside the core four. “Don’t Let Me Down,” originally the B-side to “Get Back,” perfectly illustrates why Preston earned this distinction. His keyboard playing provides a melancholic yet supportive counterpoint to John Lennon’s raw and emotional vocals. Preston became an integral part of the Beatles’ final chapter, participating in their iconic rooftop concert and contributing, though uncredited, to tracks like “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” and “Something.” His collaborations extended to solo projects with Harrison, Lennon, and Ringo Starr, and he even scored minor hits with his own renditions of Beatles classics like “Get Back” and “My Sweet Lord.”
1. “Will It Go Round in Circles” (1973)
“Will It Go Round in Circles” stands as Billy Preston’s quintessential solo hit, reaching No. 1 and becoming his signature song. The song’s genesis was remarkably casual – a simple comment to songwriting partner Bruce Fisher: “I got a song that ain’t got no melody.” Together, they crafted both melody and lyrics, resulting in Preston’s first solo chart-topper. The track featured notable contributions from the Brothers Johnson, who would later achieve fame with “I’ll Be Good To You” and “Strawberry Letter 23.” The success of “Will It Go Round in Circles,” selling over a million copies, empowered Fisher to pursue songwriting full-time, leading to further collaborations with Preston on hits like “Nothing From Nothing” and “You Are So Beautiful,” the latter famously covered by Joe Cocker.
Billy Preston’s Enduring Musical Legacy
Billy Preston’s career transcended the role of sideman, establishing him as a significant solo artist in his own right. His songs remain vibrant and uplifting, showcasing his exceptional musicianship and his ability to fuse gospel, funk, and soul into a unique and irresistible sound. From his groundbreaking keyboard techniques to his charismatic stage presence, Billy Preston left an indelible mark on music history, and his top songs continue to inspire and delight listeners today.
