Billy Preston Birthday Highlights
Birth Name William Everett Preston
Place Of Birth Houston, USA Age 77 years old
Birth Date October 2 1946
Billy Preston Facts
Child Star? yes Occupation Singer Education & Qualifications
Net Worth $20,000,000
Parents Robbie Preston Siblings Gwen Gooden, Lettie Preston, Rodena Williams
About Billy PrestonBilly Preston was an American musician and actor born on September 2, 1946, in Houston, Texas.He started playing the piano at the age of three, and by the time he was five, he had already appeared on stage with gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Preston started playing the piano at the age of three and showed tremendous talent for music from a young age.In the early ’60s, Billy Preston moved to New York City and began working with some of the biggest names in music. He played keyboards on The Beatles album ‘Let It Be’ (1970) and later worked with artists like Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, and Rolling Stones.Over the course of his career, Preston released more than 20 albums and won several awards, including five Grammy Awards. Preston was also an actor, appearing in films like ‘The Devil’s Rain’ (1975) and ‘Willie Dynamite’ (1974). Billy Preston was a talented musician and actor who achieved great success during his lifetime.Some of Billy Preston’s most famous songs include ‘That’s The Way God Planned It,’ ‘Will It Go Round In Circles’, and ‘Nothing From Nothing.’ He recorded these songs throughout his career, spanning from the ’60s to the ’90s. Billy Preston has worked with some of the best people in his industry, including The Beatles, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, and Rolling Stones.Continue reading to learn more interesting and amazing facts about this famous person that will stun you!Billy Preston Net Worth, Earnings & Spending HabitsWhat was Billy Preston’s net worth?Billy Preston was worth an estimated $20 million at his death. This wealth was generated mainly by his successful music career, as well as acting gigs in films like ‘The Devil’s Rain’ and ‘Willie Dynamite.‘How much did Billy Preston earn per year?It’s estimated that Preston earned around $400,000 per year at the height of his career. This was mainly from his work as a session musician and live performer.Height, Age & Physical AttributesHow tall was Billy Preston?Preston stood at the height of 6 ft 2 in (182.8 cm).How old was Billy Preston?Billy Preston was 59 years old when he died on June 6, 2006, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was born in Houston, Texas, on September 12, 1946. Preston died from a heart attack. He had been suffering from health problems for several years before his death.Childhood And EducationOn September 2, 1946, Billy Preston was born as William Everett Preston in Houston, Texas. Unfortunately, Preston’s parents divorced when he turned one. The family then relocated to the south-central part of Los Angeles after the divorce with the mother, Robbie. She began to work as the secretary of a funeral home. Preston’s mom Robbie also played the organ at the’ Victoria Baptist Church’ Los Angeles. It was here that Billy began to play the family piano at the age of three while sitting on his mum’s lap!When the choir director at the church saw how well Preston could imitate his conducting motions, he put him at the front of the group. A 150- voice choir was now directed by little Preston! Seen as a child prodigy by many, Preston as a child could easily pick up the tunes he heard too. He learned everything by himself and never took any sort of music training throughout his life!At the age of 10, Billy Preston started performing on stage and playing the piano for many gospel singers like James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, and Andrae Crouch. At 11, he sang ‘Blueberry Hill, ’ which was the hit song of Fats Domino, along with the American singing sensation and jazz pianist Nat King Cole in the latter’s TV show.During his lifetime, Billy Preston battled with health issues. The singer had problems with his kidneys and liver, as well as a heart attack in 2006 that led to his death. On June 6, 2006, the singer passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, from a heart attack.Family, Romance, And RelationshipsWho was Billy Preston’s partner?Preston did not marry or get into a committed relationship throughout his life. Preston had a challenging childhood which led to him dealing with relationship and commitment issues for most of his adult life. Career And Professional HighlightsPreston’s solo artist career began in 1962 when he signed a recording contract with Vee-Jay Records. He also worked as an organist for Sam Cooke and Little Richard before joining the group The Beatles as their keyboard player on their final two albums. This made him the first person outside of the band to receive credit on one of their records, which gave birth to his nickname ‘Fifth Beatle’ or ‘The Fifth Member Of The Beatles.’ His most notable work with them was playing keyboards during live performances of Let It Be and Get Back sessions at Apple Studios in London between January 1969–April 1970. In 1973, Billy Preston released ‘Will It Go Round In Circles.’ It turned out to be his most successful single and the beginning of many more hits to come.Best Known For…This American musician skyrocketed to fame as a top-class keyboardist in the ’60s. During this time, he backed famous artists like Ray Charles, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Everly Brothers, Ringo Starr. He started to become quite the name in the music industry.Billy Preston is perhaps most well-known for his work with The Beatles. He was the only guest artist to appear on both their original White Album and the follow-up Yellow Submarine LP. Preston also played keyboards on several other tracks by The Beatles, including ‘Get Back’ and ‘Let It Be.‘In addition to his work with The Beatles, Billy Preston had a great career as a solo artist. His 1970 album release, ‘That’s The Way God Planned It,’ featured the hit single ‘Outa-Space,’ which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The title track went on to also become a massive hit in the United Kingdom!Preston also toured with Ringo Starr, making an appearance in his 1990 album.Charity WorkBilly Preston was a kind and generous man who gave back to the community in many ways. In 1992, he established the William Preston Charitable Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to underprivileged students. He also supported other charities such as MusiCares and The United Negro College Fund.What awards had Billy Preston won?In 1974, Preston won his first Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance with Orchestra. In 1975, Billy became the second artist after Stevie Wonder to have a No.11 hit single and No.16 on Billboard 200 Album chart simultaneously with songs’ Nothing From Nothing’ and ‘Fancy Lady.’ He would go on to win three more Grammys throughout his career as well as receive multiple other awards, including NAACP Image Awards in 1998-2001, years before passing away due to a heart attack at age 59.Billy Preston’s Hobbies And InterestsPreston was a passionate musician, singer, and actor who also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved playing golf, basketball, and billiards in his spare time. He also had a strong interest in cars– particularly vintage models.Other Interesting Billy Preston Facts And TriviaBilly Preston was the first person to ever play a synthesizer on The Beatles’ White Album.The singer, actor, and musician was only 16 years old when he played with Ray Charles at the Monterey Pop Festival.Preston is one of only two people, the other being Michael Jackson, to have won five Grammy Awards in one night.John Lennon actually proposed the idea of Billy Preston joining the band as the fifth band member. Still, it was Paul Mccartney who countered the suggestion by stating that it was difficult enough to reach an agreement with just four of them.Billy Preston, the famous musician who was born on September 2, 1946, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.In 2021, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame confirmed that Preston would be inducted with the Musical Excellence Award.Main image credit: Everett Collection/Shutterstock
Billy Preston Birthday Highlights
Birth Name William Everett Preston
Place Of Birth Houston, USA Age 77 years old
Birth Date October 2 1946
Billy Preston Facts
Child Star? yes Occupation Singer Education & Qualifications
Net Worth $20,000,000
Parents Robbie Preston Siblings Gwen Gooden, Lettie Preston, Rodena Williams
Billy Preston was an American musician and actor born on September 2, 1946, in Houston, Texas.
Billy Preston Birthday Highlights
Birth Name William Everett Preston
Place Of Birth Houston, USA Age 77 years old
Birth Date October 2 1946
Billy Preston Birthday Highlights
Birth Name William Everett Preston
Place Of Birth Houston, USA Age 77 years old
Birth Date October 2 1946
Birth Name William Everett Preston
Place Of Birth Houston, USA Age 77 years old
Birth Date October 2 1946
Birth Name William Everett Preston
Place Of Birth Houston, USA Age 77 years old
Birth Date October 2 1946
Billy Preston Facts
Child Star? yes Occupation Singer Education & Qualifications
Net Worth $20,000,000
Parents Robbie Preston Siblings Gwen Gooden, Lettie Preston, Rodena Williams
Billy Preston Facts
Child Star? yes Occupation Singer Education & Qualifications
Net Worth $20,000,000
Parents Robbie Preston Siblings Gwen Gooden, Lettie Preston, Rodena Williams
Child Star? yes Occupation Singer Education & Qualifications
Net Worth $20,000,000
Parents Robbie Preston Siblings Gwen Gooden, Lettie Preston, Rodena Williams
Child Star? yes Occupation Singer Education & Qualifications
Net Worth $20,000,000
Parents Robbie Preston Siblings Gwen Gooden, Lettie Preston, Rodena Williams
