Billy Preston
Billy Preston was a renowned American soul musician, singer, and keyboardist celebrated for his extraordinary organ and piano skills. Born on September 9, 1946, in Houston, Texas, he rose to fame as a child prodigy and became a key collaborator with icons like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Ray Charles.
Preston began performing gospel music as a toddler in Los Angeles, where his family relocated. By age 10, he appeared in films like St. Louis Blues and played organ at local churches, later touring with Mahalia Jackson.
In the 1960s, Preston recorded early albums like 16 Yr. Old Soul (1963) and joined Little Richard's band, meeting the Beatles in 1962. George Harrison invited him to contribute to their Get Back sessions in 1969, earning him billing on the single as the "fifth Beatle".
Preston achieved major hits in the late sixties and 1970s, including "That's the Way God Planned It" (1969), reaching #11 on the UK Pop charts, and "Outa-Space" (1971), "Will It Go Round in Circles" (1973), "Space Race" (1973), and "Nothing from Nothing" (1974), all topping R&B charts. He released over 20 albums, blending soul, funk, and gospel, with standout records like I Wrote a Simple Song (1971) and The Kids & Me (1974).
He toured with the Rolling Stones in the 1970s, contributed to Exile on Main St., and recorded gospel albums in the 1980s. Preston passed away on June 6, 2006, from complications of kidney failure, leaving a lasting influence on rock, soul, and pop.
A Whole New Thing
Written-By – Jeffrey Bowen, James Ford, Truman Thomas
3:35
A2 Disco Dancin'
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:30
A3 Complicated Sayings
Written-By – Robert "Inky" Incorvaia
2:54
A4 Attitudes (Instrumental)
Written-By – Billy Preston
2:29
A5 I'm Really Gonna Miss You
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:48
B1 Wide Stride (Instrumental)
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:15
B2 You Got Me Buzzin'
Written-By – Robert "Inky" Incorvaia
2:42
B3 Sweet Marie
Written-By – Billy Preston, Joe Green
3:40
B4 Happy (Instrumental)
Written-By – Billy Preston, Jack Ackerman
2:20
B5 Touch Me Love
Written-By – Billy Preston, Jack Ackerman
3:22
B6 You Don't Have To Go
Written-By – Billy Preston, Joe Green
3:00
Label: A&M Records – SP 4656
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul
A Whole New Thing (1977), Billy Preston's final album for A&M Records, is reviewed as an excellent, yet underappreciated, funk/soul record that features his signature organ and keyboard mastery. The album's strength lies in its blend of gospel-infused funk and New Orleans R&B, although some critics note a lack of a single cohesive direction.
The album is praised for its "good dose of gospel" in its funk music, drawing comparisons to artists like Sly Stone and the Isley Brothers. Reviewers highlight how the funkiness is where the album truly shines.
The album is particularly noted for its instrumental tracks, which are considered "worth checking out" by rare groove and crate digger fans. The instrumental "Wide Stride" is a standout track, recognized as one of Preston's first songs to prominently feature a modern polyphonic synthesizer.
Some critics suggest the album was a missed opportunity, feeling it was perhaps rushed and that Preston cast his creative net too wide by shoehorning too many ideas into one release. However, it is generally regarded as "good music" where Preston demonstrates his ability to sing and play with the best musicians.
Despite its quality, the album was not a major commercial hit upon release. Reviewers speculate this may be because Preston's "squeaky clean" music lacked the "nastiness" that was essential to the mainstream funk scene of the late 70s, which favored bigger personalities and fantasies.
User ratings on platforms like Discogs give the album an average rating of 3.74 out of 5, indicating a generally positive reception among fans and collectors.
In essence, A Whole New Thing is considered a strong, inventive funk/soul record showcasing Billy Preston's immense talent and forward-thinking use of keyboards, even if it didn't achieve massive mainstream success at the time.
Encouraging Words
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:13
A2 Little Girl
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:28
A3 Use What You've Got
Written-By – Billy Preston
4:21
A4 My Sweet Lord
Written-By – George Harrison
3:21
A5 Let The Music Play
Written-By – Preston, Kerkland, Green
2:42
A6 The Same Thing Again
Written-By – Preston, Herndon
4:32
B1 I've Got A Feeling
Written-By – J. Lennon-P. McCartney
2:49
B2 Sing One For The Lord
Written-By – B. Preston, G. Harrison
3:47
B3 When You Are Mine
Written-By – Billy Preston
2:44
B4 I Don't Want You To Pretend
Written-By – Billy Preston
2:35
B5 Encouraging Words
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:32
B6 All Things Must Pass
Written-By – George Harrison
3:38
B7 You've Been Acting Strange
Written-By – R. L. Williams
3:20
Label: Apple Records – ST 3370
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Funk, Disco
Everybody Likes Some Kind Of Music
Written-By – Billy Preston
1:10
A2 You're So Unique
Written-By – Billy Preston, Joe Green
3:18
A3 How Long Has The Train Been Gone
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
2:27
A4 My Soul Is A Witness
Written-By – Billy Preston, Joe Green
2:51
A5 Sunday Morning
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
1:45
A6 You've Got Me For Company
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
2:12
A7 Listen To The Wind
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
3:14
B1 Everybody Likes Some Kind Of Music (Reprise)
Written-By – Billy Preston
0:23
B2 Space Race
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:21
B3 Do You Love Me?
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
2:55
B4 I'm So Tired
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
4:26
B5 It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
Written-By – Bob Dylan
3:49
B6 Minuet For Me
Written-By – Billy Preston
2:12
Label: A&M Records – SP-3526
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: Jazz, Funk, Soul, Blues
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Gospel
I Wrote A Simple Song
Written-By – Billy Preston, Joe Greene
2:28
A2 I Wrote A Simple Song
Written-By – Billy Preston, Joe Greene
3:28
A3 John Henry
Written-By – Billy Preston, Robert Sam
3:15
A4 Without A Song
Written-By – William Rose*, Edward Eliscu, Vincent Youmans
4:57
A5 The Bus
Written-By – Billy Preston, Joe Greene
3:32
B1 Outa-Space
Written-By – Billy Preston, Joe Greene
4:08
B2 The Looner Tune
Written-By – Billy Preston, Jesse Kirkland, Joe Greene
2:47
B3 You Done Got Older
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
3:08
B4 Swing Down Chariot
Written By – Public Domain
4:13
B5 God Is Great
Written-By – Billy Preston, Joe Greene
3:32
B6 My Country 'Tis Of Thee
Written By – Public Domain
4:27
Label: A&M Records – SP-3507
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Released in November 1971, I Wrote A Simple Song is Billy Preston’s sixth studio album and his successful debut for A&M Records, blending soul, funk, gospel, and rock. It is best known for the Grammy-winning instrumental hit "Outa-Space" and features guest appearances from artists like George Harrison.
The album is noted for its "soul stew" mix of styles, featuring, energetic, organic, and often instrumental tracks that showcase Preston's organ and piano skills.
Standout Tracks:-
"Outa-Space": The album’s massive hit was actually the B-side to the title track until DJs flipped the record. It won the 1972 Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance and features Preston's pioneering use of the Hohner Clavinet through a wah-wah pedal.
"I Wrote a Simple Song": The title track is a soulful "slow jam" featuring straightforward lyrics about musical ambition.
"My Country, 'Tis of Thee": A deeply emotive, gospel-infused rendition that has been favorably compared to Ray Charles' "America the Beautiful".
"
The Bus": A funky instrumental that later became a staple of his live performances, often medlied with the Beatles' "Day Tripper".
This album marked a turning point in Preston’s career, establishing his commercial success in the US, according to Wikipedia and Wax Poetics.
Even after the Beatles' breakup, George Harrison contributed lead guitar on several tracks and dobro on the title song. Quincy Jones provided the strings and horn arrangements, adding a polished layer to the raw grooves.
While some retrospective reviews call it a "satisfactory affair" or "just another good Billy Preston album," it is noted for its collective groove playing rather than individual soloing.
Reviews often describe the album as a solid, feel-good, and at times, laid-back "party" record, rather than a deep, conceptual masterpiece.
It's My Pleasure
Written-By – Billy Preston, Syreeta Wright
5:46
A2 Found The Love
Written-By – Billy Preston
4:04
A3 That's Life
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:41
A4 Do It While You Can
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
6:17
B1 It's My Pleasure
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:51
B2 Song Of Joy
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:22
B3 I Can't Stand It
Written-By – Billy Preston
6:34
B4 All Of My Life
Written-By – Billy Preston, Russ Rasputin
5:51
Label: A&M Records – SP-4532
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Music Is My Life
Songwriter – Billy Preston
3:13
A2 One Time Or Another
Songwriter – Billy Preston, Robert Sam
2:49
A3 Blackbird
Songwriter – John Lennon, Paul McCartney
2:48
A4 I Wonder Why
Songwriter – Billy Preston, George Johnson
5:43
A5 Will It Go Round In Circles
Songwriter – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
4:28
A6 Ain't That Nothin'
Songwriter – Billy Preston, Joe Green, Robert Sam
3:47
B1 God Loves You
Songwriter – Billy Preston, John Schuler
2:50
B2 Make The Devil Mad (Turn On To Jesus)
Songwriter – Billy Preston
5:22
B3 Nigger Charlie
Songwriter – Billy Preston, Joe Green
6:31
B4 Heart Full Of Sorrow
Songwriter – Billy Preston, George Johnson
3:35
B5 Music's My Life
Songwriter – Billy Preston
3:58
Label: A&M Records – SP 3516
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Pressin' On
Written-By – Benny Medina, Billy Preston, Kerry Ashby
5:15
A2 I'd Like To Go Back Home Again
Written-By – Benny Medina, Billy Preston, Kerry Ashby
5:05
A3 Loving You Is Easy ('Cause You're Beautiful)
Written-By – Billy Preston
4:17
A4 Turn It Out
Written-By – Benny Medina, Billy Preston, Kerry Ashby
3:44
B1 I'm Never Gonna Say Goodbye
Written-By – Artie Butler, Molly Ann Leikin
3:39
B2 Thanks, But No Thanks
Written-By – Galen Senogles, Geoffrey Leib, Ralph Benatar
3:54
B3 Don't Try To Fight It
Producer, Written-By – Galen Senogles, Ralph Benatar
4:18
B4 I Love You So
Written-By – Billy Preston
4:12
B5 I Come To Rest In You
Written-By – Billy Preston, Guy Finley
3:52
Label: Motown – 6020ML
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Disco
The Kids & Me
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
2:45
A2 Nothing From Nothing
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
2:34
A3 Struttin'
Written-By – Billy Preston, George Johnson
2:38
A4 Sister Sugar
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
3:07
A5 Sad Sad Song
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
2:30
A6 You Are So Beautiful
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
4:55
B1 Sometimes I Love You
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:14
B2 St. Elmo
Written-By – Billy Preston
2:32
B3 John The Baptist
Written-By – Billy Preston, John Schuller
3:26
B4 Little Black Boys And Girls
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fisher
2:30
B5 Creature Feature
Written-By – Billy Preston, Hubert Heard
3:11
Label: A&M Records – SP-3645
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The Way I Am
Written-By – Bob Esty, Paul Jabara
5:17
A2 Good Life Boogie
Written-By – Billy Preston
4:17
A3 Keep On Truckin'
Written-By – Anita Poree, Frank Wilson, Leonard Caston
4:26
A4 A Change Is Gonna Come
Written-By – Sam Cooke
3:56
B1 Lay Your Feelings On Me
Written-By – Helen Lewis, Kay Lewis
4:22
B2 I Won't Mistreat Your Love
Written-By – Billy Preston, Bruce Fischer
3:57
B3 Baby I'm Yours
Written-By – Van McCoy
3:18
B4 Until Then
Written-By – Billy Preston, Jesse Kirkland, Joe Greene
3:35
B5 The Way I Am
Written-By – David Paich
4:56
Label: Motown – M8-941M1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1981
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk
Ultimate Collection
2 Outa-Space 4:09
3 Slaughter 2:45
4 I Wrote A Simple Song 3:24
5 That's The Way God Planned It (Live) 4:09
6 Struttin' 2:35
7 Fancy Lady 5:47
8 You're So Unique 3:19
9 Space Race 3:28
10 Get Back 3:10
11 Blackbird 2:46
12 Wide Stride 3:16
13 Nothing From Nothing 2:37
14 I'm Really Gonna Miss You 3:48
15 You Are So Beautiful 4:51
16 With You I'm Born Again (with Syreeta) 3:40
17 Since I Held You Close 4:51
18 Go For It (duet with Syreeta) 3:50
19 One More Time For Love (with Syreeta) 3:54
20 I'm Never Gonna Say Goodbye 3:41
Label: Hip-O Records – 314 541 231-2
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2000
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk, Pop
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
You Can't Keep A Good Man Down
Written-By – Billy Preston
5:40
A2 What About The Love
Written-By – Billy Preston
5:10
A3 Don't Worry I'll Be There
Written-By – Billy Preston
4:40
A4 Love Me
Written-By – Billy Preston, C. Glenn, O. Hirshenberg, R. Palmer
4:20
B1 Listen To The Music
Written-By – Billy Preston, C. Glenn, R. Palmer
4:37
B2 Any Time
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:30
B3 Why Are You Cryin'
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:52
B4 Don't You Leave Me Baby
Written-By – Billy Preston, O. Hirshenberg
4:05
B5 The Life Of An Artist
Written-By – Billy Preston
3:48
Label: Music On Vinyl – MOVLP3128
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Europe
Originally Released: 1986
Re-Released: 2022
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk