Billy Preston: The Top Fifth Beatle

It's March 25th.

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Rockseller magazine has named Billy Preston as the top 5th beetle of all time.

The keyboard wizard from Houston brought soul, funk, and gospel vibes to the fab 4 sound

during their final years.

Born in 1942, Preston first crossed paths with a band in 1962 in Hamburg, Germany, when

he was just 16 and backing.

The Beatles quickly befriended the young talent, and he joined them for key sessions in 1969 at Apple Studios.

Preston played organ, electric piano, and even sang on tracks from the Let It Be project, adding fresh

grooves that elevated songs like, Get Back, and Don't Let Me Down.

He was the only outside musician to get a co-credit on a Beatles single label for Get Back.

Bam members loved his energy, with John Lynn in praising how seamlessly he fit in during those tense rooftop sessions.

The group's very last live, performance on January 30th, 1969.

Preston's style injected new life into their music right when tensions were high.

Later, he starred as the lead in the 1978 film, Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and appeared in Peter Jackson's 20.

21 miniseries, The Beatles, Get Back.

Ringo Starr inducted him into the rock and roll hall of fame that year, celebrating his B3 organ and gospel piano.

Sadly, Preston passed away in 2006 at age 59 after health struggles.

Honorable mentions go to Beatles insiders like Neil Aspenall and Derek Taylor.

Suns Julian Lennon and Donnie Harrison, plus the wives and producer.

George Martin. Preston's joyful sound remains a bright thread in rock history.