Born on this day in 1946, Billy Preston, the legendary keyboardist, who for a while was known as the "Fifth Beatle," would have turned 78. Sadly, we lost Billy June 6, 2006 after a battle with kidney disease. Preston's relationship with the Beatles dates back to the early 60's when he was touring with Little Richard in Hamburg, Germany, and the Fabs were the opening act. In 1969, George Harrison attended a Ray Charles concert in London, and on-stage that night was Preston. Deciding the Beatles could use a fresh approach in the studio during the Let It Be sessions, George invited Preston to join them in the studio. Preston's electric piano can be heard on "Get Back," "Don't Let Me Down," "I've Got A Feeling," "Dig A Pony," and "I Want You, (She's So Heavy)." Preston can also be seen performing during the legendary rooftop concert, the final live concert performance ever from the Beatles.
In Preston's memory, check out Preston and the Beatles on "Don't Let Me Down" below.