Origins & Early Life

William Everett Preston (September 2, 1946 – June 6, 2006) was an American keyboardist, singer, and songwriter whose work encompassed R&B, rock, soul, funk, and gospel. Preston was a top session keyboardist in the 1960s, backing Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, Reverend James Cleveland, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones. He gained attention as a solo artist with hit singles "That's the Way God Planned It", the Grammy-winning "Outa-Space", "Will It Go Round in Circles", "Space Race", "Nothing from Nothing", and "With You I'm Born Again". Additionally, Preston co-wrote "You Are So Beautiful", which became a hit for Joe Cocker.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Preston is one of very few musicians to be given a credit on a Beatles recording, which was done at the band's request; the group's 1969 single "Get Back" was credited as "The Beatles with Billy Preston". He is one of several people referred to as a fifth Beatle. Preston continued to record and perform with George Harrison after the Beatles' breakup, along with other artists such as Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones on many of the group's albums and tours during the 1970s. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam Michnik — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• Ahmed Zewail — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Pioneering chemist, acclaimed as the 'father of femtochemistry'.
• Al Green — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Iconic American soul singer, songwriter, and pastor celebrated for his timeless vocal artistry.
• Aaron Spelling — Contemporary (Died in 2006) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Abu Musab al-Zarqawi — Contemporary (Died in 2006) (2006): Jordanian jihadist militant known for orchestrating violence in Iraq (1966–2006)
• Alexander Litvinenko — Contemporary (Died in 2006) (2006): Russian defector and critic of the Kremlin, known for exposing state corruption.
• Ahmad Shah Massoud — Shared historical date (09-02 · Born) (1953): Afghan military leader, known as the "Lion of Panjshir", fought against foreign occupations.
• Ahuitzotl — Shared historical date (09-02 · Died) (1502): Eighth Aztec ruler and Huey Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, key to Aztec expansion.
• Adnan Khashoggi — Shared historical date (06-06 · Died) (2017): Saudi businessman and arms dealer, known as 'The Great Gatsby of the Middle East'
• Agrippina Vaganova — Shared historical date (06-06 · Born) (1879): Foundational Russian ballerina and creator of the influential Vaganova method.
• 1946 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1946
• September 2 (09-02) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 2
• 2006 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2006
• June 6 (06-06) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 6