*The new documentary “Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It” chronicles the life of the celebrated musician whose career spanned six decades and bridged multiple musical genres.
Directed by Paris Barclay and produced by Stephanie Allain, Jeanne Elfant Festa, Nigel Sinclair, and Cheo Hodari Coker, with executive producers Olivia Harrison and Jonathan Clyde, the documentary offers an in-depth look at Preston’s extraordinary contributions to music, Deadline reports.
Born in Houston in 1946, Preston quickly established himself as a prodigy on the keyboard. He performed with some of the greatest artists of his era, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Mahalia Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Sly Stone, and Eric Clapton. He also collaborated with The Beatles for several years and received credit on 1969’s “Get Back,” earning the nickname “The Fifth Beatle.”
As a solo performer, Preston achieved significant success with hits such as “Outa-Space,” “Will It Go Round in Circles,” “Nothing from Nothing,” and “You Are So Beautiful.” His first hit single, “That’s The Way God Planned It,” was produced by George Harrison. Preston’s achievements were recognized posthumously when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, fifteen years after his death in 2006.
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The documentary addresses Preston’s personal challenges, including childhood abuse, addiction, and legal troubles. His struggles with his sexuality, which remained largely private due to his religious beliefs, are also explored. Collaborators such as Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton, along with fans including Billy Porter, reflect on how living in the closet affected his life and career.
“Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It” opens in theaters on February 20.
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