Billy Preston delivers an exhilarating combination of theater, gospel, and rock ‘n roll stylings on the mighty Hammond B3 organ. We will never see their like again.
Billy knows how to tear up a piano or organ with those smooth powerful fingers. Truly a gift to watch and listen to. Wish he were here today to inspire and amaze us some more.
When I was a kid back in 72, at six years old, I played music that Billy Preston made. What I knew then, was NOTHING to what I've grown to appreciate now. There's words to describe CERTAIN artist, but when it comes to Billy Preston, I can't think of words that would give him enough credit. Maybe one of those words would be incomparable.
I have been playing for churches, for the past 50 years, and have found it ALWAYS the blessing of playing on the Hammond. (The A110, C2, C3, B2, B3, XK2, XK3, and the XB3). (I promised my Jesus, Lord, Savior, God) that if he blessed me with the gift of music, I would ONLY use the gift to give HIM praise...HALULEJAH!!! and retired in 2012 due to illness and disabilities. THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR SPECIAL BLESSED GIFT(s)
So true. Billy was great. He didn't get the recognition that he deserved. After looking at Unsung, his life story broke my heart along with other stories that I've heard about him. He was a nice and gentle person. God bless you Mr. Preston. 🙏. Rest Peacefully now. No one will take advantage or hurt anymore. You're with God now.
Anyone who knows how he does the "whah whah" pieces? This is how the B3 schould be played. Very very extraordinary. I've been listening to this for 5 years already and still can't get enough of it. What an organist
its playing ghost notes. The keys have 9 contacts, 1 for each drawbar. When you play fast ghost notes or the fast glissando's you often do not turn the keys all down and there by you don't get to trigger all the contacts. Also together with the volume pedal you get the wah like effect.
The fifth Beatle! The story goes that John wanted him officially and permanently in the band,but they were on the verge of breaking up,and when John asked Paul,he replied something like,"I can't get along with you 3 already,and you want to add another one?"
He also was a Rolling Stone for a while in the 70’s. Played on a few albums and also toured with the Stones. By the 1975 tour, they gave him 2 songs in the middle of their set! Truly an amazing artist. RIP Billy Preston!
Billy was a child prodigy from day one !!!! His talent and versatility took him from the church with James Cleveland to Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and The Beatles etc. Billy Bomaye ❤
You probably dont care but if you guys are bored like me atm then you can watch pretty much all the new movies on InstaFlixxer. I've been watching with my brother for the last few months :)
I loved everything Billy did, he was such a huge talent. My understanding is that he opened for the Stones back in the 70's and when the Stones came out the fans wouldn't let them perform without Billy on stage. That's huge. He was a tormented soul if you read his bio. I believe he loved Jesus and is in heaven today.
The smile on Billys face, totally enjoying added even more to the fantastic performance. Then when he did the dear Ray Charles impression, I was totally gone with it! RIP to both fantastic souls. 💙💙
Learned how to play by ear, as a child, on a Baldwin CT2. Gave it up as a young adult. Listening to this make me want to pick it up again. From a 62 year old from Motown!
I must say that Billy Preston really made a lasting contribution to music around the world. He will forever remain one of those artists that was able to touch and amaze listeners (even when they don't recognize that it was him). This video is an amazing glimpse of what this man was capable of doing. He did what many of us dream about, Preston created music that was bigger than him, and bigger than his name. One of those artists that was truly a gift and inspiration to the world.
HATS OFF TO MR. BILLY PRESTON.....WHAT A WONDERFUL MUSIC MAN HE IS..... SUCH A JOY TO LISTEN TO THIS MUSIC AFTER SUCH A LONG LONG TIME..... THIS IS BEAUTIFUL HARDCORE ORGAN MUSIC....WOW
I saw him in 2004 with Eric Clapton and he did that "wedging a penny in the keyboard" thing that night too at the end of one of his solos! Coolest thing ever.
"Everybody likes some kind of music", I heard from him in 1973 for the first time. Billy Preston is Fantastic! Ever! God bless you. Thanks HammondB200 for this marvelous video.
Couldn't agree more Rob. When I was young, learned on a Baldwin CT2 with a built in Leslie box, but external Leslie sounded way better. Billy sure did shine in his day.
There used to be a version of him doing Will It Go Round in Circles from this performance, it was the best thing I ever saw him do, but I haven't seen it in years.
Am I allowed to say: Holy sh*t? Because…HOLY SHIT! Please, someone do a proper biopic on Billy. He, and all of us, deserve it. Thank you for this clip.
Yes those drawbars were a bitch to configure while playing with the other hand, but Billy’s combinations were unlike anybody else’s and he made it look so easy.
isn't this just one of the best renditions of this classic in the history of music?..bravo! (and rip bro billy--there's almost a million viewers who remember you)
He was in concert with the Stones in L.A., mid 70s, best part of the show. He danced in solo with a key board strapped around his neck, I'll never forget that.
That was extraordinary- what a genius. Preston lifted up Gershwin's composition to a whole other level. "Summertime" is my all-time favorite song from "Porgy & Bess", and Preston's rendition of it put a huge smile on my face.
I found this piece on TH-cam- Eric Clapton & Billy Preston (9:30- solo)- Have You Ever Loved A Woman Live From Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004. Man, Blues is a genre that few can play because not only do you have to be a phenomenal musician, you have to 'feel' what you're playing. th-cam.com/video/eKIRyBH240U/w-d-xo.html&start_radio=1
I just sat and watched his story on Unsung. I never really know of him but I am now a new fan. And I've never heard anyone play the organ like this. This guy is something extraordinary. WOW>
A true OG musician makes their instrument do things that no one ever imagined it could do. When their music makes you stop in your tracks & say... what the hell is that... & you turn your whole attention on what you're hearing, you KNOW you're in the presence of an OG.
@@dee_dee_place This man is in a league of his own. The versatility to do a classical and blues version of this song in one sitting. Billy Preston will forever be in a class of his own.
@@kentonbelton1068 Ain't that the truth! I'm so glad that there are not just recordings of his music but there are also videos... dating back to when he was on the Nat King Cole show. Pure Genius At Work.
not only am i amazed by how eclectic he was but i am more astonished by his ability to play so well with such fat rings on his fingers...i could never do that! RIP!
It's almost unbelievable the way Mr. PRESTON controlled the B4, drawbars, dumper, leslie...THIS INSTRUMENT in THIS HANDS...it's from another world..completely thrilled with this video.THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARE THIS!
What Hendrix was to guitar, Billy Preston was to keyboards.
YES!
Hendrix had nothing on Billy
Really true
True!
Hammond organ in particular.. absolute beast..
Billy Preston delivers an exhilarating combination of theater, gospel, and rock ‘n roll stylings on the mighty Hammond B3 organ. We will never see their like again.
Amen to that John. The Good Lord gave that man some natural talent.
Billy knows how to tear up a piano or organ with those smooth powerful fingers. Truly a gift to watch and listen to. Wish he were here today to inspire and amaze us some more.
When I was a kid back in 72, at six years old, I played music that Billy Preston made. What I knew then, was NOTHING to what I've grown to appreciate now. There's words to describe CERTAIN artist, but when it comes to Billy Preston, I can't think of words that would give him enough credit. Maybe one of those words would be incomparable.
Great solo with the King of Keyboards Mr Billy Preston 🎹🥁🎸
I have been playing for churches, for the past 50 years, and have found it ALWAYS the blessing of playing on the Hammond. (The A110, C2, C3, B2, B3, XK2, XK3, and the XB3).
(I promised my Jesus, Lord, Savior, God) that if he blessed me with the gift of music, I would ONLY use the gift to give HIM praise...HALULEJAH!!! and retired in 2012 due to illness and disabilities. THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR SPECIAL BLESSED GIFT(s)
So true. Billy was great. He didn't get the recognition that he deserved. After looking at Unsung, his life story broke my heart along with other stories that I've heard about him. He was a nice and gentle person. God bless you Mr. Preston. 🙏. Rest Peacefully now. No one will take advantage or hurt anymore. You're with God now.
I didn't really discover Billy till he was gone. Thank God for video, so he can live on indefinately! What a master.
How can he be so good and so cool at the same time!!!??!
Anyone who knows how he does the "whah whah" pieces? This is how the B3 schould be played. Very very extraordinary. I've been listening to this for 5 years already and still can't get enough of it. What an organist
He might actually have a vox wah pedal.
no effects
its playing ghost notes. The keys have 9 contacts, 1 for each drawbar. When you play fast ghost notes or the fast glissando's you often do not turn the keys all down and there by you don't get to trigger all the contacts. Also together with the volume pedal you get the wah like effect.
The fifth Beatle! The story goes that John wanted him officially and permanently in the band,but they were on the verge of breaking up,and when John asked Paul,he replied something like,"I can't get along with you 3 already,and you want to add another one?"
Wow 😮
He also was a Rolling Stone for a while in the 70’s. Played on a few albums and also toured with the Stones. By the 1975 tour, they gave him 2 songs in the middle of their set! Truly an amazing artist. RIP Billy Preston!
@@sparkymcplumpthepolydactyl2079one of the best ❤
How great is billy Preston..? Love when he did his version of The fabulous Ray Charles..both gone too soon..❤️
Billy was a child prodigy from day one !!!! His talent and versatility took him from the church with James Cleveland to Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and The Beatles etc. Billy Bomaye ❤
That’s just a ridiculous level of talent in one man. RIP Billy Preston
Whoever was on organ in Heaven before Billy got there is now on piano! Ijs
You probably dont care but if you guys are bored like me atm then you can watch pretty much all the new movies on InstaFlixxer. I've been watching with my brother for the last few months :)
@Mauricio Alfonso yea, been using Instaflixxer for months myself :)
The Bach inpression was hilarious and awesome
Fantastic version! Totally my favorite. Bravo Billy Preston.😊 Pure genius on that keyboard; killer!😅.
Congratulations to Billy for Hall of Fame in Rock & Rolls 2022 Finally.
The master at work! I miss Billy Preston. He was very kind to me. God rest his soul! Thanks for posting this masterpiece.
Whoa. This is... Iconic. I had no idea... Thank You for posting. I've never heard the B-3 sing like this... probably never
will again. Marvelous.
RIGHT!
Oh my Lordt! That man is making that Hammond sing.
I loved everything Billy did, he was such a huge talent. My understanding is that he opened for the Stones back in the 70's and when the Stones came out the fans wouldn't let them perform without Billy on stage. That's huge. He was a tormented soul if you read his bio. I believe he loved Jesus and is in heaven today.
2 September 1946 - 6 June 2006 - gone but certainly NOT forgotten.
The smile on Billys face, totally enjoying added even more to the fantastic performance. Then when he did the dear Ray Charles impression, I was totally gone with it! RIP to both fantastic souls. 💙💙
Incredible talent, wonderful human being. Look forward to meeting you soon, Billy. ❤
There’s more than 1 reason he’s known as the 5th Beatle.
OUTSTANDING ‼️‼️
Learned how to play by ear, as a child, on a Baldwin CT2. Gave it up as a young adult. Listening to this make me want to pick it up again. From a 62 year old from Motown!
Soulfully and Spiritually performed, Billy, Thank You👍⬆️🆙🆙👼😇🌌🌠😎🙋
Not only was BP a top tier keyboardist, he was also a natural showman!
He done tore his own self up!,, Absolutely amazing. And I seen him in person. This takes the cake!
Amazing to be able to watch these videos for free of a man on top of his game in his prime.
So many versions of this song and this is damn near the best
He was the Best ! Nobody can play this way !
Mr. Preston left us too soon...
He was phenomenal. He was playing the keys off of the organ. Hopefully, he is in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My God!! Ok I can't even watch this again. I'm so unworthy of witnessing such great talent. I feel like a peasant.
I must say that Billy Preston really made a lasting contribution to music around the world. He will forever remain one of those artists that was able to touch and amaze listeners (even when they don't recognize that it was him). This video is an amazing glimpse of what this man was capable of doing. He did what many of us dream about, Preston created music that was bigger than him, and bigger than his name. One of those artists that was truly a gift and inspiration to the world.
Ringo said it best "he is one of the few men who doesn't miss with his hands on the piano or anything he does" Billy Preston is the man
So honoured to have performed onstage with him a few times- & been his friend …
Miss him terribly. What a fine muscian he was.
I can't even imagine just hanging out with him never l never mind performing with him on stage that's mind-blowing
One of the best organist ever lived.🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 The B3. NEVER GET OLD. JUST THE ORGANIST. 😂😂😂😂😂😂
HATS OFF TO MR. BILLY PRESTON.....WHAT A WONDERFUL MUSIC MAN HE IS..... SUCH A JOY TO LISTEN TO THIS MUSIC AFTER SUCH A LONG LONG TIME..... THIS IS BEAUTIFUL HARDCORE ORGAN MUSIC....WOW
This is mighty incredible, simply genius. Thank you, Billy.
I saw him in 2004 with Eric Clapton and he did that "wedging a penny in the keyboard" thing that night too at the end of one of his solos! Coolest thing ever.
B3 magic from a master!
"Everybody likes some kind of music", I heard from him in 1973 for the first time. Billy Preston is Fantastic! Ever! God bless you. Thanks HammondB200 for this marvelous video.
No keyboard compares to the Hammond B-3, first introduced in 1955. And, of course, nobody plays it like Billy Preston.
Vox continental: Am I a joke to you?
Couldn't agree more Rob. When I was young, learned on a Baldwin CT2 with a built in Leslie box, but external Leslie sounded way better. Billy sure did shine in his day.
Outstanding performance! p.s. Laurens Hammond should be posthumously awarded the Nobel Prize for this beautiful invention.
The true essential essence of musicianship
Billy Preston was simply a beast on that organ. Damn!!!
When you’re good enough to actually emulate others’ styles and pull it off, you’re great. And he is perfect here.
There used to be a version of him doing Will It Go Round in Circles from this performance, it was the best thing I ever saw him do, but I haven't seen it in years.
Am I allowed to say: Holy sh*t? Because…HOLY SHIT! Please, someone do a proper biopic on Billy. He, and all of us, deserve it. Thank you for this clip.
Billy you were Da Man!!!! Good Lord have mercy! It's a pity I never got to hear this brother live. Thank God for TH-cam
I loves that sound setting on that Hammond B3 organ.
Yes those drawbars were a bitch to configure while playing with the other hand, but Billy’s combinations were unlike anybody else’s and he made it look so easy.
An unworldly talent is what Billy Preston was. I need to go out and get every recording he ever did. What a God given gift he had!
We don’t raise up the talented ones as we should. Bow to his talent and soul. 🖤
The world shall not see another talent like this. He's in heaven playing with all the greats who went before him. Imagine that band!!!
RIP Billy.
The best player on the Hammonds ever !
Man, how can you NOT smile while listening to Billy Preston. What a brilliant performer he was.
Wow! How does one beat this performance?? One cannot.
Amen...makes me feel like going to church...what an artist!
Oh my god!!!! First time hearing this. He destroyed this song in the best way possible. Lol
isn't this just one of the best renditions of this classic in the history of music?..bravo! (and rip bro billy--there's almost a million viewers who remember you)
He was in concert with the Stones in L.A., mid 70s, best part of the show. He danced in solo with a key board strapped around his neck, I'll never forget that.
As good as the clonewheels may be, there’s nothing like a real B3, it’s a living beast and nothing can replace it.
He probably had it running through an amazing beatles level tube amp too
You got that right John. Been enjoying organ music and playing it on a Baldwin CT2. The B3 is in a class all by itself.
Love the little Bach fugue on the Hammond B3
one of the most underated and undercredited musicians ever.
How much I gave to be able to imitate ray charles' voice that easily and amazingly...
Brilliant virtuosity plus a dazzling personality!
by far the bluesiest version of summertime ever recorded. Billy you the man
BILLY!!!!!! OMG...a master musician and singer. RIP man.....your gift touched many!
i am shocked how talented this man was
Well he was a prodigy
Chuck Flowers he brought the house down.....he sure knows how to party
C Flow he touched many
lol
Simply amazing!!! This is what music still can be! Bring back the love!!!
wow, this man can present better than any musician or artist I've ever seen in my ENTIRE life
Check out bb king. That man had PRESENCE. En par with Preston is also dizzie.
I have been searching for this for many years man 🥺♥️🙏🏿
Spectacular.Amazing musician. A real talent.
Fuck You Troll ~
Your mother.
Is a pedophile dumbass look it up fools
Whatsoever he was in this life is now between him and God but his talent remains unquestioned and remembered. What, good sir, have you done?
He sings spectacular hot summer song as heat as his improvisation! wonderful!
I absolutely never get sick of that one.
Drummer playing beautifully in support.
+joseph pereira all the instrumentalists are awesome :)
You said it.
That was extraordinary- what a genius. Preston lifted up Gershwin's composition to a whole other level. "Summertime" is my all-time favorite song from "Porgy & Bess", and Preston's rendition of it put a huge smile on my face.
@Cathy Berry I wholeheartedly agree. Janis Joplin's rendition of "Summertime" is off the charts.
I found this piece on TH-cam- Eric Clapton & Billy Preston (9:30- solo)- Have You Ever Loved A Woman Live From Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004.
Man, Blues is a genre that few can play because not only do you have to be a phenomenal musician, you have to 'feel' what you're playing.
th-cam.com/video/eKIRyBH240U/w-d-xo.html&start_radio=1
That organ probably never had that kind of workout until he touched it 🤧
I just sat and watched his story on Unsung. I never really know of him but I am now a new fan. And I've never heard anyone play the organ like this. This guy is something extraordinary. WOW>
There is only one word one would use to judge this performance of Billy Preston: "AWESOME"!!!!
He became one with the organ. The organ was a direct avenue of expressing his spirit.
wow man, no words for this dude talent!
WOW Billy, that Ray Charles, wonderful and great talent
Soooo gifted! Thank you, Billy.
Dude is making that organ talk!!!!
A true OG musician makes their instrument do things that no one ever imagined it could do.
When their music makes you stop in your tracks & say... what the hell is that... & you turn your whole attention on what you're hearing, you KNOW you're in the presence of an OG.
@@dee_dee_place This man is in a league of his own. The versatility to do a classical and blues version of this song in one sitting. Billy Preston will forever be in a class of his own.
@@kentonbelton1068 Ain't that the truth! I'm so glad that there are not just recordings of his music but there are also videos... dating back to when he was on the Nat King Cole show. Pure Genius At Work.
what did I just watch??????? I didn't know whether to shout or cry! My my my....PLAY IT BILLY!!
not only am i amazed by how eclectic he was but i am more astonished by his ability to play so well with such fat rings on his fingers...i could never do that! RIP!
If Ray Charles could see this...
He WAS ALIVE....LOL
TUH... Pun intended - "If Ray Charles could SEE HIM play"! The best giggle I had in a few months. Thank you, that was a good one, funny too even!
It's almost unbelievable the way Mr. PRESTON controlled the B4, drawbars, dumper, leslie...THIS INSTRUMENT in THIS HANDS...it's from another world..completely thrilled with this video.THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARE THIS!
Wow! Amazing. Rock on Billy!
I've seen this many times over, and I can't help myself....that's just freakin SICK!!!!!! Billy was unreal!!!
une merveille d'interprétation ... je ne me lasse pas de l'écouter !
This man rocked at whatever he played ....RIP Billy Boy ,your music is eternal...
Genius! It makes me cry
TH-cam is the best app there is. I love you TH-cam.
Unbelievable I’ve never seen anything like this in my life
You, sir, have impeccable taste.
I love this guy more and more. Every time I see video of him I love him more.
Thank you for posting this genius.
OoooO...that is soul/blues...the true art of it...it sends shivers down my spine listening to this.
Brilliant! Love it all ! Bless his memory ♡♡♡
I love that sound, cuts through you like a knife. Straight into the soul.