Billy Preston, longtime musician and songwriter, passed away on June 6, 2006 at the age of 59. Billy was born on September 2, 1946 in Houston, Texas to Horace and Mary Preston. He started his manifold music career at the age of 10 playing the piano in church and with various gospel and blues groups in the Houston area. Throughout the 1960s, Billy established himself as a sought-after studio and live musician, working with notable artists such as Little Richard, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, the Rolling Stones, Sly and the Family Stone, and the Jackson Five. Billy released his debut album in 1968, The Most Exciting Organ Ever, and signed with Apple Records three years after. During this period, his success expanded with other hit singles such as "Outa-Space" and "Will It Go Round in Circles." His prolific career and passion for the music industry never waned, and he continued to tour and work with a variety of musicians throughout his lifetime. Billy Preston will forever be remembered as an innovative and talented musician, influencing countless musicians spanning multiple genres. He will be dearly missed.