|
Title: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: The New Fiona Apple on June 06, 2006, 12:51:52 PM 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59
The great singer-songwriter and performer Billy Preston, the real "Fifth Beatle," has died after a long illness as a result of malignant hypertension that resulted in kidney failure and other complications. As a result of a medical insult, he'd been in a deep coma since last November 21, but was still struggling to recover. He died at Shea Scottsdale Hospital in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he'd lived for the last couple of years. Billy was called the Fifth Beatle because he played keyboards on "Let It Be," "The White Album" and "Abbey Road." He also played on the Rolling Stones' hit song "Miss You," and often played with Eric Clapton. He also did the organ work on Sly & the Family Stone's greatest hits. Preston's own hits include "Nothing From Nothing," "Will It Go Round in Circles" and "You Are So Beautiful," which Joe Cocker turned into an international hit. Preston was actually mentored by Ray Charles, and acts like Little Richard (see below), Mahalia Jackson and James Cleveland had a huge impact on him at a young age. In the early '60s, Billy went to Europe with Little Richard who was playing in Hamburg. The Beatles were the opening act, and as the story goes, he was the one who made sure they got fed. His friendship with them lasted through the 1960s and he was the first act signed to Apple Records, thanks to George Harrison. The resulting album is called "That's the Way God Planned It." In 1971, Preston played in "The Concert for Bangladesh." Last year, in one of his final appearances, he performed at a reunion in Los Angeles for the release of the Bangladesh DVD with Ringo Starr and Harrison's son Dhani on guitar. More recently, Billy can be heard on the latest albums by Neil Diamond and Red Hot Chili Peppers. He's also featured on the Starbucks soul album "Believe to My Soul," featuring Mavis Staples and Ann Peebles. -------------------------------------- Woah, I just saw him last year at this Fest for Beatles fans in North Jersey. He completely rocked the house at the end of the Saturday portion of the festival. He was an awesome performer and will definately be missed dearly. :'( Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: Markus Asraelius on June 06, 2006, 01:26:41 PM How many beatles are left now? One.
Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: Backslash on June 06, 2006, 02:45:30 PM How many beatles are left now? One. Yeah, just Ringo, cause that isn't the real Paul McCartney. :hihi: Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: J? on June 06, 2006, 03:10:14 PM three
Pete Best (original drummer) Paul & Ringo Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: Backslash on June 06, 2006, 03:14:39 PM three Pete Best (original drummer) Paul & Ringo I don't really consider Pete to be a Beatle, though. Kinda like calling Rob Gardner a member of Guns N' Roses. Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: Markus Asraelius on June 06, 2006, 03:30:09 PM Who's Rob Gardner?
Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: NicoRourke on June 06, 2006, 03:38:19 PM Ouch ... Sad :'( His work on the White Album was great. And I've always loved seing the five of them on the Abbey Road studio roof for what was I believe the last Beatles show. Rest in peace Mr Preston. Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: Backslash on June 06, 2006, 03:56:24 PM Who's Rob Gardner? My point exactly. he's the guy who was in GNR before Adler. a founding member of L.A. Guns. Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: The New Fiona Apple on June 06, 2006, 05:53:03 PM Well, I'm not sure exactly if I'd consider him the "Fifth" Beatle, but he certaintly played on some important albums.
Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: Gunner80 on June 07, 2006, 12:27:36 AM His work on the Rolling Stones album Black and Blue is amazing. RIP
Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: AxlsMainMan on June 07, 2006, 07:50:12 AM He will be sorely missed... :'(
RIP Billy Preston :( Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: SLCPUNK on June 07, 2006, 01:31:48 PM RIP........
Title: Re: 'Fifth Beatle' Billy Preston Dies at 59 Post by: Gordi on June 07, 2006, 11:44:05 PM Damn... RIP Billy :(
|