Billy Preston with The Beatles
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- Опубліковано 21 тра 2023
- Billy Preston with The Beatles
A short look at the collaboration between the Beatles and Billy Preston both as a band, and during their solo projects.
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The whole tenor of "Get Back" shifts so dramatically when Preston show up. You can see like a hinge point in history where if they'd gone whole hog and added Preston to the band, they might have gone on another few albums of greatness.
Billy’s presence did seem to lift their spirits and give them a sense of direction. Sadly short lived but perhaps it did make a difference when you think Abbey Road was an attempt to record one more album “like they used to” as Paul said to George Martin.
Such a great honour for a musician to be named on the cover of a Beatles single: "The Beatles with Billy Preston"😊
So prestigious. It wouldn’t have harmed his career at all!
Billy was a phenomenal musician. The way he ‘tickles the ivory’s’ seems so effortless and groovy…thanks
Absolutely. And I was amazed to see that clip of him at age 11 grooving away. He had a “feel” even at that young age. Just amazing 👍
Another great video, mate. It's so lovely in the Get Back movie when Billy walks in. You can almost see the clouds of gloom lift. And the warmth all four Beatles had for him was just so real. I'm so glad the cameras captured that.
His talent was sublime. His contribution to The Beatles' music is immense. Slotting in perfectly. Never too little nor too much, totally balanced.
For that brief period; given the level of talent in the room, egos seemed to have been left at the door, and the music was elevated as a result. Thanks Tudor and mega thanks Billy
Cheers 🙏
For that time in the Beatles story Billy’s involvement came at just the right time. He seemed like a long lost brother.
I also read after making this video that although the idea of having him join the band (and maybe Bob Dylan too as a George suggested), Paul had misgivings because he already sensed the end of the Beatles was near. Maybe he already knew he was leaving!
@Tudor Smith I'll be honest. I've never been the greatest McCartney fan. I think he's always been kinda self serving. So I think he was playing both sides; working with The Beatles but half an eye on a solo career.
It's just a shame that at that point in time, they couldn't see that a parallel solo career could have been possible; I mean, The Beatles were writing the rule book. But then again, what they left us with was as near to perfection as can be.
Yea that makes perfect sense - the eye on the solo career. And you’re dead right, they could have still collaborated as the Beatles every now and then once the egos settled down. We’ll I say egos, but probably Paul’s to be honest. Hey Ho - it is what it is and they left their marks on pop culture history.
Billy was a talented musician and made s great Contribution to the Beatles . Thanks again Tudor .
Indeed 👍
I just learned, that "You Are So Beautiful" was first sung by Billy Preston. Thank you for sharing! I had no idea who Billy Preston was before today. :)
I’m sure he had an amazing career and left behind quite a legacy!
Billy's on Abbey Road too. Shes so Heavy, and Something
The Concert For George Isn't It A Pity with Billy Preston .... wow!!!! Top bloke, the 5th Beatle....
He was superb on that - his version of My Sweet Lord from the same concert is also wonderful. I’d place him as the 6th Beatle myself - George Martin was the 5th for my money!
Link
This was great! A good friend of mine was a roadie for Billy in his earlier days ...he had lots of great stories about his interactions with other artists/stars. Thank you for this.
I bet those stories would have been fascinating 👍
@TudorSmith Omg! He told me so much stuff. So fascinating... Little Richard, MIck Jagger etc etc. As you can imagine, some of it was pretty crazy.... but completely fascinating.
Ha you could write a book 👍
Nat Cole was not joking about Billy going far , great vid
I don’t think The Beatles could have completed Let It Be without Billy Preston - his keyboard playing was key to a number of the songs, but more importantly his presence made them focus on the songs more - it’s no coincidence that the better songs on the album all heavily feature Preston. The song that didn’t initially, but should have done, is The Long and Winding Road, which on an alternate take features a sublime electric piano solo by Preston, which eventually turned up on the ‘Naked’ mix. He also paid an emotional tribute to his friend George, by playing That’s The Way God Planned It, which George played on and produced, and My Sweet Lord. I was very sad to hear of his death a few years ago. A tremendously talented musician!
Absolutely. Just watching his “random” input on the Get Back series proved he could just step in and shine 👍
@@TudorSmith Spent the day with him in the early 90s. Hazard a guess where and under what circumstances?
I got to sit at a table for about 20 minutes with Billy Preston (and Felix Caviliere) at a Ringo show in Atlantic City; I asked him if he minded me asking Beatles questions and he was really cool about it; cool All Starrs lineup too…Randy Bachman, Mark Farner, John Entwhistle, & Zak all included
What a brilliant anecdote. And Randy Bachman. To say I’m envious is an understatement. Did you get your Beatles questions answered?
@@TudorSmith I did; also, I slipped the maitre d a 20 & he sat at us at the front table which allowed for a flow of conversation and handshake from Ringo…I shook Lennon’s hand in 1975…but that’s another story 😎
Indeed, Billy was key to the saving of the Let It Be project, but arguably he was more associated with the Rolling Stones. He toured with them as their keyboardist between 1973 and 1977 and contributed to their albums, Sticky Fingers, Goat's Head Soup, Exile on Main Street, It's Only Rock and Roll and Black and Blue. And he had a pretty decent solo career too, with 5 U.S. top ten hits.
Yes he was pretty remarkable and by all accounts a humble guy too!
Don’t let the dislikes bring you down. You put out very professional, informative and enjoyable content. Keep up the great work and have an awesome day David.😊
Thanks David. I was just having a moan. One of those days 👍
Hi Tudor! i only now got to see this interesting video on Billy Preston. i think his contribution on "Don't let me down" with his electric piano's phrasing throughout the song is worth mentioning, too!!
Absolutely. He brings the song to life. I’m sure John or Paul could have laid down some organ parts but by giving that over to Billy, he stamped his signature to the song!
Great, insightful video as always, Tudor.
GREAT POST! CONGRATULATIONS!
Thanks 🙏
Seems like Billy Preston was a session musician to the stars then. Cool video.
Very much sought after guy 🎹
I did a video clip on Billy Preston and the Beatles. I seriously felt after watching this documentary the shot Billy gave them in the arm during their somewhat tortuous sessions where they seemed to be struggling greatly saved the entire album. "This American Saved Beatles 1969 Get Back Album" The thumbnail of my video. I admired the Beatles for recognizing what he was giving to them and crediting Billy publicly.
Yes it was a good move by the Beatles to give Billy credit. He certainly lifted them and saved the day - or the filming - or the album!
Thank you for this... very well done🙏👍
Cheers 👍
Great work again Tudor 😊
Thanks 🙏
Hello again tudor, Another great video. I always look forward to your video,s. Always interesting, never boring. In fact i often watch them a number of times. The beatles Liverpool, London, scotland video,s especially. Looking forward to the next one already.keep them coming !!!. All the best, kev chatterley.
Thanks very much Kevin - I’ve got a few in the pipeline 👍
Superb work, Tudor. Love the editing and footage. You have given a brilliant tribute to Billy. It was clear to me that the Let it Be sessions were floundering, as interesting as it was to watch. Only Paul seemed to be ‘on it’. Then Billy walked in and everyone perked up! You are right he did add a distinctive flavour to the tracks. He was a very cool dude as well.
Thanks very much Matt. Billy did add that certain something and perhaps spearheaded the completion of the project musically. And of course he was then involved with Abbey Road too - which I forgot to mention!
@@TudorSmith Yes good point! You don’t really associate him with Abbey Road. That’s my favourite album, especially side two of course.
Great video
Thanks!
Thanks Tudor, Billy was a great addition to the Let It Be project. Interesting that Billy recorded My Sweet Lord for his own Solo album, with George producing, before George released his own version. I haven't heard Billy's recording but i read it was a bit different to the way George did it.
They loved him and he loved them.
Well i have read years ago that George had said that he would return to the sessions if Billy could play with them, then i read where George asked Billy to come by the studio and say hi, then earlier i just saw an interview with Billy after he finished up his second batch or albums worth of recordings on Apple label and Billy said he just stopped by Apple Studio to say hi to the guys and was hanging out when Paul asked him to play the electric piano that was there and John asked him after the song if he would help with the rest of the album. Billy said he would and did, then Apple bought Billy's recording contract from Columbia and signed Billy to Apple records, he had done quite a few songs enough for two albums or a double album whatever the label wanted him to release he would after which he gave his interview that i quoted from.
Billy was on Yellow Submarine album, all together now
Hi Tudor! I’m a bit late , busy busy time of the year for me! Yes Billy. The Billy we all know and love. The Beatles Billy episode! Enchanting! Was it George who brought him in? I m not sure, it’s possible.Great video once again Tudor , no matter any meanness dislike! The meanies! 😂
There are blue meanies out there 🤣
top marks as always a talented musician just played john lennons rock and roll lp witch i got new in 1975
Isn’t it cool having copies of the originals 👍
He played on Abby Road he's name wasn't on album.
Fantastic video as usual. Billy is the definitive "5th Beatle" for me, although I didn't fully appreciate that until I saw the Get Back film.
Just out of interest Tudor, have you listened to Mitch Benn's radio show "Mitch Benn is the 37th Beatle"? Even though Billy is the 15th Beatle on his list, it's very funny, and his parody songs are excellent.
I guess the fifth Beatle is always up for debate especially when you consider George Martin and his whole impact - definitely a potential video from me.
I’ve not heard of Mitch but I’ll check it out. 37th Beatle. That’s clever 👍
@@TudorSmith It's worth remembering he's a comedian, so it's not to be taken too seriously. It includes lots of Beatles trivia, and he does make a very good case for being the 37th Beatle 😁 ua-cam.com/video/toAyf_bbHgQ/v-deo.html
🤣
I’ve heard Mitch Ben’s show - it was hilarious- I’ve tried to work out at least to 10th Beatle over the years - and it’s difficult! Where do you place Stu Sutcliffe and Pete Best for instance? But, personally, George Martin is the 5th for me, closely followed by Billy Preston!
Hi Tudor
Hope All is Well
Don't know if you were a fan
Tina Turner has Passed Away at age 83.
RIP God Bless
Yes I saw that on the John Miles FB group page I’m a member of. She was such an icon ❤️
I read that Billy Preston played Hammond on "I Want You"...
Yeah he certainly did. I forgot to mention it 🎹
I haven't seen the "Get Back" documentary, but it seems there wasn't much footage of Billy playing. Is that correct. If so, that's really too bad.
It’s been a while since I’ve watched it but I do believe there’s a fair amount of footage!
Tudor, I am curious about the music that the Beatles members created for other artists. I can name a few off my head but I know it must be a long list. Thanks for all your efforts. I'd rather watch your productions than other Beatles experts.
Interesting! That could make a good video
Excellent topic! The Beatles would have made more music if Paul would have let him join the band permanently! Thus the reason for the Beatles breakup. Thats my theory and I am sticking with it! LOL
It’s a good theory actually as George and John it seems had a new enthusiasm for the project once Billy showed up. Paul was likely already planning his solo album - we heard snippets of future songs in the Het Back documentary and I did read he was reluctant to have Billy join the band as he felt they were at a point of disbanding.
Isn't he also playing on Lennon's God?
Highly likely. I couldn’t find a reference to his collaboration with John. I should have dug a little deeper. I’ve just never been into John’s solo career 🤷🏻♂️
Yes he is - he’s credited on my LP copy!
His performance on “God” is significant in that his flourishes are pure gospel…
which, in a song about God, works a certain magic that is essential…
But apart from all that, there’s the fact that Billy was an Apple artist and the fact that he was a major performer on The Concert For Bangla Desh, too
He also played on Instant Karma and the Live version of Cold Turkey on the Sometime in NYC album. And according to Lennonology, Billy was scheduled to play on the canceled 75 album “Between the Lines”. Alas Lennon decided to take care of Yoko as she was pregnant instead of making the album.
I don't think the reason why George temporarily left The Beatles was as much because the alleged tensions in the band (Get Back has proven it wasn't), as because Patti had just keft him. She moved out the day before or the same day. That was probably the reason why George couldn't handle the discussions in the band.
That would make perfect sense.
@@TudorSmith Yes, George is protectin himself by blaming the others in the band. It takes courage to admit that "my wife left me because I've treated her badly".
Yeah he’s not going to reveal his own misgivings is he? But your point does make things a lot clearer on how he must have been feeling that day 👍
Defiently Billy is a huge tallent an artist ...I think they all recognised that . If he did become the 5th beatles I suspect the band wudda got twice as good ... his own songs stood up with there's also .. he was an all round tallent . Cud sing an write great songs .. check out his albums ..he was a major tallent ..he was like prince before prince .. Billy was a good a musician an artist as all the other 4 ..5 of them together wudda been insane
He was a great addition to their sound and altogether the bringer of harmony in those later years for the Beatles 👍
Billy Preston was definately a great musician, but I must say that I think his importance for the Let it Be project has been slightly exaggerated . It was never really a question of him becoming a full time member of The Beatles. He was just a hired extra musician and the main reason for asking him to participate was that there would be no overdubs on the album. Otherwise Paul would most likely have handled the piano parts. Billy Preston did a great job however, and deserves all the credit he got.
The important thing is don't diminish his contributions like others seem to
Was George being serious at 2: 23 about leaving the band or were they just joking?
I’m pretty sure he was serious. He’d had enough of being in the Beatles!
@TudorSmith Wow, I gotta check out that session footage. Thank you.
How old was Billy when he died and what of ?.
Wiki states “Preston had suffered kidney disease in his later years, brought on by his hypertension. He received a kidney transplant in 2002, but his health continued to deteriorate. He had voluntarily entered a drug rehabilitation clinic in Malibu, California, and suffered pericarditis there, leading to respiratory failure that left him in a coma from November 21, 2005. Preston died on June 6, 2006, in Scottsdale, Arizona.”
He was 59!
I heard he was gay???
Billy Preston doveva essere il quinto Beatles nero
To me, John knew the only way to keep the Beatles going was for Billy to join. Paul knocked that down and personally, I think that was a mistake. IMO John was the best Beatle. Paul and John were equals artistically but John formed the Beatles and he knew when to end it. Though it was painful, it was done at the right time and imo is the reason why they are the best band ever.
That’s quite insightful 👍 what’s that old saying? “You’ve got to know when to quit”?