Under the Hood: How Ray Charles led Billy Preston to “Let It Be”

Billy Preston has got a pretty good claim on being the fifth Beatle. Back when Billy Preston was playing keyboards for Little Richard, he first met the Beatles. He was sixteen at the time. It was 1962. He played keyboards with them on the “Get Back” sessions - which became their final two albums, ABBEY ROAD, and LET IT BE. His cheerful personality is credited with helping the boys together during that famously rough time. Billy Preston tells the story.

“I met the Beatles when I did a tour with Little Richard and they were the opening act for the show. And we became friends then because they always come ask me about Richard, about America. So we became really close. And then after they had made it big I went to see them in San Francisco and we went out and partied, you know. And it was great. And then it wasn’t until I was with Ray Charles in Europe and George Harrison came to the concert and he recognized me he sent a note back for me to give him a call. So I called him and they were at the studio and he said to come on down and see the guys and they were there recording, working on “Let it Be.” So I came in and they said, “Hey what’s happening?” So we started jamming and reminiscing on old songs. And then John and asked me if I’d like to stay over and help finish the album and I said, “Sure I would!” So I was over at England six months out of the year and I stayed at George’s house and it was fabulous. The guys sets off a glow when those four guys get together it’s just the room glows. Very exciting.” - Billy Preston