Billy Preston could have easily been the “Fifth Beatle” but he was a radiant thread woven through the fabric of modern music. Whether laying down grooves in soul, funk, gospel, or rock, Preston brought magic to every record he touched. Check out his joy, his jaw-dropping list of collaborations—each one a gift to music lovers everywhere.
Sam Cooke – Night Beat (1963)
Billy played keys on this late-night R&B classic, helping lay the foundation for modern soul with his gospel-rich touch.
Little Richard – I Don’t Know What You Got (But It’s Got Me) (1965)
He backed the rock ’n’ roll pioneer with simmering keyboard lines—and later co-wrote the joyous “Great Gosh A’Mighty.”
Ray Charles – In the Heat of the Night (1967)
Billy contributed his elegant, bluesy piano playing to this soulful soundtrack.
Ike Turner – A Black Man’s Soul (1969)
He brought signature organ grooves to this explosive funk instrumental collection.
The Beatles – “Get Back” / “Don’t Let Me Down” (1969)
He became the only artist credited alongside the Beatles on a single, earning “The Beatles with Billy Preston” billing.
The Beatles – Abbey Road (1969)
Billy added swirling keys to the band’s final masterpiece, coloring tracks like “Something” with warmth.
The Beatles – Let It Be (1970)
He’s all over the record, his organ lifting songs like “I’ve Got a Feeling” to spiritual heights.
George Harrison – All Things Must Pass (1970)
He played throughout this sprawling triple album, adding gospel fire and soul to Harrison’s solo debut.
John Lennon – Plastic Ono Band (1970)
Billy played piano on “God,” providing the minimalist support Lennon needed to deliver raw, personal truths.
The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers (1971)
He helped carve out the gritty, blues-drenched atmosphere with unmistakable flair.
George Harrison & Friends – The Concert for Bangladesh (1971)
He played live at this historic show, helping bring spiritual and musical force to the stage.
Sly and the Family Stone – There’s a Riot Goin’ On (1971)
Billy lent moody, textured keys to one of funk’s most essential albums.
King Curtis & Aretha Franklin – Live at Fillmore West (1971)
Preston backed Aretha and Curtis on this electrifying soul concert.
Barbra Streisand – Barbra Joan Streisand (1971)
He played keyboards and drums, showing his flexibility in pop and theatrical arrangements.
The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St. (1972)
Billy’s organ lines gave weight and punch to this classic double album.
Peter Frampton – Wind of Change (1972)
He contributed piano, harpsichord, accordion, and more—demonstrating his range and sensitivity.
Ringo Starr – Ringo (1973)
Played organ on “I’m the Greatest” and “Oh My My,” adding depth to Starr’s breakout solo LP.
The Rolling Stones – Goats Head Soup (1973)
Preston’s grooves added a psychedelic soul to the Stones’ funkier leanings.
George Harrison – Dark Horse (1974)
He played electric piano on the title track and beyond, keeping the grooves tight.
Ringo Starr – Goodnight Vienna (1974)
He returned with clavinet and electric piano contributions, especially on the title track and “Only You.”
The Rolling Stones – It’s Only Rock ’n Roll (1974)
Billy added raw, rhythmic texture to the Stones’ glam-rock era.
Joe Cocker – “You Are So Beautiful” (1975)
Co-wrote one of the most moving love ballads of the decade.
George Harrison – Extra Texture (1975)
Contributed electric piano on the funky “His Name Is Legs (Ladies And Gentlemen).”
Little Richard – “Steal Miss Liza (Steal Liza Jane)” (1975)
Collaborated again with the architect of rock ’n’ roll.
George Harrison – Thirty Three & 1/3 (1976)
His keyboard flourishes supported Harrison’s late-’70s rebirth.
Eric Clapton – No Reason to Cry (1976)
Billy lent keyboard work to this bluesy, laid-back album recorded in The Band’s studio.
The Rolling Stones – Black and Blue (1976)
Played funky clavinet and organ on tracks that experimented with reggae and disco.
The Rolling Stones – Love You Live (1976)
His live contributions captured the Stones’ swagger in real time.
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Film) – (1978)
Played and acted as “Sgt. Pepper” in this Beatles-inspired cinematic spectacle.
The Rolling Stones – Tattoo You (1981)
Added organ to an album built from a decade of vault material.
George Harrison – Gone Troppo (1982)
Billy’s electric piano grounded Harrison’s breezy pop explorations.
Luther Vandross – “Til My Baby Comes Home” (1985)
Brought a gospel touch on organ to this sultry R&B hit.
Little Richard – “Great Gosh A’Mighty” (1986)
Co-wrote this joyful return to form for Little Richard.
Hank Crawford & Jimmy McGriff – Steppin’ Up (1987)
Played piano on this rich, swinging soul-jazz collaboration.
Ringo Starr – Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band (1990)
Joined the tour as keyboardist and vocalist.
Jovanotti – Giovani Jovanotti (1990)
Added keys and Fender Rhodes to this energetic Italian pop album.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Show Me Your Soul” (1990)
Joined the Chili Peppers on this rare groove track.
Mick Jagger – Wandering Spirit (1993)
Featured on five tracks including “Sweet Thing” and “Use Me,” giving Jagger’s solo effort serious soul.
Jephté Guillaume – Voyage of Dreams (1996)
Played organ and strings on several tracks, blending Afro-Caribbean grooves with funk.
Donnie McClurkin – Donnie McClurkin (1996)
Brought his gospel organ back to church for this Grammy-winning artist.
Helen Baylor – Love Brought Me Back (1996)
Played soulful organ on this gospel return album.
Jaguares – El Equilibrio de los Jaguares (1996)
Added Hammond B3 to “Detrás de los Cerros,” bringing warmth to Latin rock.
Me’shell Ndegeocello – Peace Beyond Passion (1996)
Played keys on “Deuteronomy: Niggerman,” fusing funk and spoken word.
The Rolling Stones – Bridges to Babylon (1997)
Laid down organ on “Saint of Me,” deepening the groove.
Juana La Loca – Estas en mí (1997)
Contributed piano to this atmospheric Argentinian rock album.
Richie Sambora – Undiscovered Soul (1998)
Provided support on this introspective solo effort by the Bon Jovi guitarist.
Fastball – The Harsh Light of Day (2000)
Played keys on “You’re An Ocean,” giving it bounce and swing.
Elton John – Songs from the West Coast (2001)
Played Hammond organ on several tracks including “I Want Love.”
Nikka Costa – Everybody Got Their Something (2001)
Played clavinet on this funk-fueled breakthrough.
Eric Clapton – Reptile (2001)
Continued their long collaboration with lush keyboard work.
Eric Clapton – One More Car, One More Rider (2001)
Live DVD featured Billy’s own “Will It Go Round in Circles.”
Joni Mitchell – Travelogue (2002)
Played Hammond B3 on “You Dream Flat Tires,” adding subtle resonance.
Johnny Cash – American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002)
Played piano on “Tear Stained Letter” and “Personal Jesus.”
George Harrison – Concert for George (2002)
Performed live on “Isn’t It a Pity” and “My Sweet Lord.”
Donnie – The Colored Section (2003)
Played Hammond B3 on the album’s final track.
Jet – Get Born (2003)
Contributed keyboard textures to this breakout rock debut.
Eric Clapton – Me and Mr. Johnson (2004)
Backed Clapton on this tribute to blues legend Robert Johnson.
Eric Clapton – Crossroads Guitar Festival (2004)
Played and appeared in this historic guitar showcase.
Ray Charles – Genius Loves Company (2004)
Joined Charles for a heartfelt collaboration on this Grammy-winning record.
Julia Fordham – That’s Life (2004)
Added depth and texture with tasteful keys.
Neil Diamond – 12 Songs (2005)
Helped bring Rick Rubin’s minimalist vision to life with rich keyboard tones.
Eric Clapton – Back Home (2005)
Returned again for another round of soul-stirring session work.
Ringo Starr – Choose Love (2005)
Contributed keys to this optimistic, pop-leaning record.
George Harrison – The Concert for Bangladesh (2005 Remaster)
Featured again in the remastered version of the historic live album.
Various Artists – I Believe to My Soul (2005)
Performed alongside Mavis Staples, Ann Peebles, and Allen Toussaint.
Rebecca Pidgeon – Tough on Crime (2005)
Added keyboard flourishes to this moody, literate album.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Stadium Arcadium (2006)
Played on “Warlocks,” giving the track vintage swagger.
Eric Clapton & J.J. Cale – The Road to Escondido (2006)
Played soulful keys on this rootsy collaboration.
Sam Moore – Overnight Sensational (2006)
Played Hammond B3 and sang on a version of “You Are So Beautiful.”
Is’real Benton – Reach (2007)
Played organ on “Have a Good Time.”
Howard Hewett – Imagine (2007)
Brought his unmistakable organ tone to this smooth R&B effort.
The Rolling Stones – Brussels Affair (Live 1973) (2011)
Live recordings showcased his funky, hard-driving keys.
The Rolling Stones – L.A. Friday (2012)
Featured in another live vault release full of soul and swagger.
The Rolling Stones – Goats Head Soup (Deluxe) (2020)
Reintroduced with remastered grooves from his original 1973 sessions.
The Rolling Stones – El Mocambo 1977 (2022)
Unearthed live show captures Billy’s tight chemistry with the Stones.
Billy Preston was a collaborator’s dream—supportive, expressive, and endlessly creative. From soul to rock, gospel to funk, his fingerprints are on the music that shaped generations. This is a tribute to every note, every groove, and every grin he brought to the studio.
Thank you, Billy.
