How Billy Preston Became the Only Musician To Receive a Co-Credit on a Beatles Album

If one is unfamiliar with Billy Preston, it’s a shame. Preston’s height of his career came and went in the ’70s thanks to songs such as “Nothing From Nothing” and “I’m Really Gonna Miss You.” In addition to those songs, he also scored three No. 1 hits and won two Grammys out of his nine nominations. Needless to say, the man is a musical genius, particularly when tickling the ivories. His proficient and masterful skills on the keyboard are why he was able to help The Beatles on their infamous album, Let It Be.

For context, when The Beatles recorded Let It Be, tempers were high as the Fab Four had been feuding over various external factors. With that in mind, it seemingly took a toll on their creative process, especially when they were trying to write “Get Back” and “Don’t Let Me Down.” As a result of his creative input, Billy Preston has been the only other musician to ever receive a co-credit on a Beatles album.

Billy Preston Arrives and Aids The Beatles

In Peter Jackson’s docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back, the restored and rare footage shows the rise and fall of The Beatles in just three episodes. Amidst the outbreaks and arguments between the band, one of the most illuminating elements of the series is the introduction of Billy Preston.

Upon his arrival, Preston takes to the keyboard and effortlessly drops down the infamous keyboard melody in “Don’t Let Me Down.” To The Beatles, this was a breakthrough, as John Lennon stated, “You’re giving us a lift Bill.” George Harrison added, “We’ve been doing this for days.”

Besides helping them on this track, Preston also crafted the iconic keyboard track on “Get Back.” Furthermore, another piece of footage showing Preston’s musical aid is when he and The Beatles rehearse “Don’t Let Me Down.” In the scene, Preston sits at the keyboard and plays the bridge between the chorus and the verse. Despite his work, Preston was not credited on track.

Preston Was a Longtime Collaborator for The Beatles

Before Billy Preston helped The Beatles on their final album, he also performed on Abbey Road. Playing the organ, he performed the songs “Something” and “I Want You(She’s So Heavy).” However, he was not gifted credit for those songs either.

After The Beatles broke up, Preston continued collaborating with three out of the Fab Four, as he collaborated with Lennon, Harrison, and Ringo Starr on their solo albums.

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