Billy Preston dead at age 59

[Dark Knight]

Billy Preston, the exuberant keyboardist who landed dream gigs with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and enjoyed his own series of hit singles, including "Outta Space" and "Nothing From Nothing," died Tuesday at 59.

Preston's longtime manager, Joyce Moore, said Preston had been in a coma since November in a care facility and was taken to a hospital in Scottsdale Saturday after his condition deteriorated.

"He had a very, very beautiful last few hours and a really beautiful passing," Moore said by telephone from Germany. "He went home good."

Preston had battled chronic kidney failure, and he received a kidney transplant in 2002. But the kidney failed and he has been on dialysis ever since, Moore said earlier this year.

Rest of story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060606/ap_on_en_mu/obit_preston&printer=1

 

[BillyGoatGruff]

To be honest, I thought he'd died awhile back.

 

[Bobbisangel]

I had forgotten all about Billy Preston. I really liked his music. He sure was young. I'm glad that he isn't suffering anymore.

 

[Beyond Belief]

Sounds like he had a great, exciting career.

 

[BeeBee]

Ok, apparently I'm confused. (Like that's news to anyone who knows me!) But, who sang "Carribean Queen." :doh:

 

[MsPooh]

Billy Ocean? I soooo loved that song in the good ole 80's, still do!

 

[bbmcrae]

Billy Preston plays organ on The Beatles' "Get Back" and several other Beatles songs. Not too shabby...he even sang it in the awful, awful movie "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" from the 70s...the one starring the BeeGees...that one...he was the only great part.

RIP, Billy.

 

[BeeBee]

Billy Ocean? I soooo loved that song in the good ole 80's, still do!

Billy Ocean! That's right. Thanks MsPooh. Just getting my Billy's confused I guess.

 

[GonzoReiter]

My Sweet Lord - Billy Preston (youtube video)
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[BeeBee]

My Sweet Lord - Billy Preston (youtube video)
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fantastic! Loved it! I liked his version better than George Harrisons.