Billy Preston | Self-Titled Compilation CD Album

USED-VERY GOOD

UPC: 9002986543909

Overview

This self-titled "Billy Preston" compilation brings together an eclectic mix of performances from the legendary keyboard virtuoso and singer-songwriter known as "the fifth Beatle." Released through ACD Records in Austria, this 20-track collection spans Preston's versatile musical approach, featuring both original compositions and his distinctive interpretations of popular hits from the 1960s. The album showcases Preston's remarkable ability to blend soul, R&B, funk, and rock elements while demonstrating his exceptional keyboard skills that made him one of the most sought-after session musicians for artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Ray Charles.

Product Features

• Format: CD Compilation
• Release Year: Late 1990s/Early 2000s
• Label: ACD (Catalog #: CD 154.390)
• Genre: Soul, Funk, R&B
• Total Runtime: 55:10
• Audio: ADD (Analog recording, Digital mixing, Digital mastering)
• Distribution: Licensed from Seville Entertainment Inc./Lollipop Music S.L., Spain
• Country of Release: Austria

Track Listing

1. You've Lost That Loving Feeling - 3:47
2. Steady Gettin' It - 2:49
3. Let Me Know - 2:06
4. Soul Meeting - 2:44
5. The Octopus - 2:13
6. Slippin' And Slidin' (Peepin' And Hidin') - 3:07
7. Low Down - 2:14
8. I Am Coming Through - 2:05
9. My Girl - 3:02
10. Shot Gun - 2:27
11. Stop! In The Name Of Love - 2:24
12. Can't You Hear My Heartbeat - 2:02
13. Downtown - 2:41
14. Eight Days A Week - 2:14
15. King Of The Road - 2:19
16. If I Had A Hammer - 2:55
17. I'll Drown In My Own Tears - 3:40
18. Go Now - 2:49
19. Don't Let The Sun Catch Your Crying - 3:03
20. Billy's Bag - 2:02

Interesting Facts

"The Fifth Beatle" Connection

Billy Preston earned the rare distinction of being one of the only musicians credited alongside The Beatles on official releases. His collaboration with the group during their "Get Back" sessions in 1969 was so significant that the single was credited to "The Beatles with Billy Preston." This compilation includes Preston's rendition of "Eight Days A Week," highlighting his connection to the legendary band. His association with The Beatles came through George Harrison, who saw Preston performing with Little Richard in Hamburg in 1962 and later invited him to join the troubled Get Back sessions, where his presence helped ease tensions within the group.

Musical Prodigy Background

Before becoming a sought-after session musician and solo artist, Billy Preston was a genuine musical prodigy who began playing piano at age three. By age 10, he was performing with gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, and at 11, he appeared with Nat King Cole on television. This early virtuosity laid the foundation for his remarkable career as both an instrumentalist and vocalist. His technical proficiency combined with deep emotional expressiveness can be heard throughout this compilation, particularly on tracks like "The Octopus" and "Billy's Bag," which showcase his keyboard skills.

Cross-Genre Versatility

This compilation demonstrates Preston's remarkable ability to cross musical boundaries, with covers ranging from Beatles pop ("Eight Days A Week") to Motown classics ("Stop! In The Name Of Love," "My Girl"), country standards ("King Of The Road"), and folk anthems ("If I Had A Hammer"). This versatility made Preston one of the most in-demand session musicians of his era, playing on albums by artists as diverse as The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Dylan. His adaptable style allowed him to enhance any musical setting while maintaining his distinctive sound.

Original Compositions

Among the covers, this collection includes several Billy Preston originals like "Steady Gettin' It," "The Octopus," "Low Down," "I Am Coming Through," and "Billy's Bag." These tracks showcase Preston's talents as a composer and arranger beyond his skills as an interpreter of others' material. Preston would later achieve significant commercial success with original hits like "Nothing from Nothing" and "Will It Go Round in Circles," though those later hits are not included on this particular compilation, suggesting this collection focuses on his earlier career.

Publishers

Released through ACD Records in Austria, with licensing from Seville Entertainment Inc. and Lollipop Music S.L., Spain. The album includes various publishing rights held by companies including EMI Songs MV GmbH, Chappell & Co. GmbH, MV Intersong GmbH, Rondor MV GmbH, Neue Welt MV GmbH, Belmont MV GmbH, Essex MV GmbH, and D. James MV GmbH.

We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!

Hashtags

#BillyPreston #SoulMusic #KeyboardLegend #FifthBeatle #FunkPioneer #ClassicCovers #SoulClassics #60sMusic #GospelRoots #SessionLegend #MyGirl #EightDaysAWeek #SoulKeyboards #HammondOrgan #MusicalProdigy