Billy Preston was 5 years old when he backed gospel legend Mahalia Jackson. By age 10, he was appearing with Ray Charles on film, and by age 15, he was touring with Little Richard in Hamburg, Germany, where he met Richard’s opening act — The Beatles. Over the following six-decade career, Billy contributed his signature sound to the greatest artists of his time, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Sly Stone, Rufus, Eric Clapton, and others, while establishing himself as a GRAMMY-winning solo artist. Despite his success, Billy struggled to reconcile his deep relationship with the Black church with his sexuality, setting off a lifelong quest to find love and acceptance.
2024, 105 minutes, USA, directed by Paris Barclay, Unrated
“As tough a life as Preston had, the music that buoys this chronicle is a constant source of joy.”
– Glenn Kenny, NEW YORK TIMES
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you will, mister Billy Preston.”
– Paul Shaffer, MUSICIAN
“Since I heard Billy play I don't play the organ any more — I leave it to him."
– Ray Charles, MUSICIAN
