Long Island Premiere
Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It
Feature | United States | 105 Minutes | English

Mega-talented keyboardist, songwriter and legendary GRAMMY-winning musician Billy Preston was often referred to as “the best musician in the room.” A musical prodigy who was performing with Mahalia Jackson by age five and touring Europe with Little Richard at 15, Preston’s extraordinary career would take him from gospel and soul to the center of rock history. He became the only musician ever officially credited alongside The Beatles on a single, “The Beatles with Billy Preston,” played on their legendary final rooftop concert and contributed to Let It Be and Abbey Road. He was also one of the first artists signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records and went on to become a major solo star with multiple No. 1 hits, including “Will It Go Round in Circles” and “Nothing from Nothing.” Stylistically influenced by the Black church, Preston’s illustrious career also helped shape the sound of the Rolling Stones, while his extraordinary list of collaborators includes Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Little Richard, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Sly Stone and Elton John. He co-wrote the enduring classic “You Are So Beautiful,” won two GRAMMY Awards and became one of the first musical guests on Saturday Night Live. A private man who turned to drugs to dull the pain of personal trauma, his poignant story unfolds through insights from Billy Porter, Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr, complemented by rare footage. Director: Paris Barclay (NYPD Blue; In Treatment; The West Wing; Glee) Theater B