Billy Preston: The Unsung Fifth Beatle Whose Keyboard Magic Helped Heal the Beatles During the Let It Be Era
Few musicians can claim the honor of being so closely tied to The Beatles that they received joint credit on one of their singles. Billy Preston, a virtuoso keyboardist and radiant musical spirit, earned this rare distinction during one of the most fraught periods in the band’s history—the “Get Back” sessions of 1969, which would later evolve into the Let It Be album and film. His contribution wasn’t just musical; it was deeply personal, helping to temporarily soothe tensions that threatened to tear the band apart.
As The Beatles began working on what they originally hoped would be a “back-to-basics” project, the mood was anything but harmonious. Interpersonal conflicts, creative disagreements, and the looming sense that the end of the band was near cast a shadow over the sessions. It was in this fragile moment that Billy Preston entered the picture—first invited to the studio by George Harrison, who had met him years earlier during a tour with Little Richard.
The effect was immediate and remarkable. Preston’s spirited presence and dazzling keyboard work added new life to the recordings. His electric piano on “Get Back” not only gave the song its signature groove but also infused the band with a renewed sense of collaboration. So pivotal was his involvement that the single was officially released as “The Beatles with Billy Preston”—the only time the band ever shared billing with another artist.
More than just a hired hand, Billy Preston brought with him a kind of musical joy and professionalism that lifted the sessions out of their rut. His contributions can also be heard on other tracks from Let It Be, such as “Don’t Let Me Down,” where his soulful playing complements Lennon’s passionate vocals, and “I’ve Got a Feeling,” where his organ work enriches the song’s emotional landscape.
While The Beatles ultimately disbanded soon after the Let It Be project, Billy Preston’s involvement remains a shining chapter in the group’s final act. His keyboard genius and calming energy not only helped shape the sound of their last recorded album but also reminded them—if only briefly—of the joy that once defined their collaboration. For these reasons, Preston is fondly remembered as the true “Fifth Beatle,” a title he earned not through hype but through heart, harmony, and historic musical impact.