The phrase “Fifth Beatle” has been tossed around throughout music history to refer to any one person closely associated with The Beatles. For decades, fans have begged the question, who is the true Fifth Beatle? Some argue it to be producer George Martin, and others claim it’s manager Brian Epstein. It could be roadie Neil Aspinall, publicist Derek Taylor, ex-drummer Pete Best, or ex-bassist Stuart Sutcliffe. Or, maybe, it could be the only non-Beatle ever given credit on a Beatles song - Billy Preston.
In the 60s, Billy was a top session keyboardist, working with the likes of Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and The Everly Brothers. When he was only 16, he went on tour with Little Richard, playing his keyboard on stages across the globe. It was in Hamburg that he was introduced to the new opening act, an emerging group called The Beatles. Being relatively close in age, Billy got on well with these four skinny Englishmen who were bursting with talent. Unfortunately, as the tour progressed, Billy was forced to bid The Beatles adieu, and it would be years before he saw them again.
In 1969, The Beatles were no longer just an opening act. They were the most successful group in the world, the most successful group in history, even. Tensions, however, were brewing between the four members as they tried desperately to produce their next album. They seemed to bicker about everything, never agreeing on which direction a song should go. They’d lost their momentum, doing the same thing over and over again, and were longing for something different, something to reignite the excitement they’d felt back in their Hamburg days. It was at a Ray Charles concert that George Harrison would find exactly what they needed.
George had gone to see Ray Charles with his good friend, Eric Clapton, and was pleasantly surprised by the opening act that was oozing with soul and energy. He watched as this towering man jumped about on stage, playing the organ and singing “Double-O Soul.” He looked so familiar, but George just couldn’t place him - until Ray Charles came out. When Ray took the stage, the audience cheered and roared as he reintroduced his opening act as a man called Billy Preston. “Since I heard Billy play, I don’t play the organ anymore - I leave it to him,” he joked.
George was astounded - it was Billy! The last time he’d seen Billy, he’d been a skinny sixteen-year-old touring with Little Richard. Now, he was a towering man with confidence and soul, playing with Ray Charles. Of course, George had to say hello, and without a second thought, he invited Billy into the studio to help with The Beatles’ new album.
Billy’s presence in the studio was an immediate relief. His bright attitude, warm smile, and undying enthusiasm eased the tensions that had been riding high. The Beatles were laughing again, joking with each other, and finally enjoying themselves. Creativity flowed like wine as Billy’s magic fingers danced on the keyboard. Billy ended up playing throughout the rest of the Get Back sessions and was so well-loved that John Lennon proposed the idea of making Billy an official member of the group. This might have been a bit rash, and the always level-headed Paul McCartney intervened. It was hard enough to come to a decision with four members, let alone five, he argued, and it was no secret amongst them that the group was on the rocks and close to splitting up.
Throughout the Get Back sessions, Billy played the organ and electric piano on multiple tracks and even joined the band on the roof of Apple for their final public performance. In April 1969, The Beatles released their single “Get Back,” crediting it to “The Beatles with Billy Preston.” This was the only time a non-Beatle had ever been credited as a co-performer with The Beatles, and it was groundbreaking. Not even Eric Clapton had received a credit for his lead guitar part on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” an arguably important part of the song. The four Beatles had deemed it absolutely necessary to credit Billy, as he had become an honorary Beatle in his days working with the band. His presence was indubitable, and his piano playing was beyond prominent.
The Beatles had welcomed Billy with open arms and loved him dearly, they even invited him back into the studio to help with their album Abbey Road, where he played organ on the tracks “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” and “Something.” That same year, Billy was signed to The Beatles’ record label, Apple. He released the album That’s The Way God Planned It, as well as a single of the same name, which had been produced by George Harrison.
George and Billy maintained a close friendship and continued to work together frequently. Billy appeared on multiple albums of George’s and completely stole the show at his Concert for Bangladesh. While we may never know the official “Fifth Beatle”, Billy Preston undoubtedly took on this title for at least a portion of time. Billy not only lent his skills to The Beatles but his warm attitude and friendship, rekindling their flame that had once burned so brightly. He reminded The Beatles of the limitless possibilities music had and brought them back to the excitement of their Hamburg days that seemed so long ago.
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