Billy Preston, now in outta space

Sad news today about the death of "fifth Beatle" Billy Preston. Billy should be remembered for his fantastic talent at organ and piano playing and his great songwriting skills, but he'll always be best known as one of the only outside musicians invited into the Beatles' fold. George asked Billy to play on "Let It Be" as relationships between the Beatles became particularly hostile; Billy's presence made the Beatles act on their best behavior and his musicianship was a welcome spark on songs like "Get Back" and "Let It Be" (see Billy playing with the boys here). He jammed along with the Beatles at the famous rooftop concert and was a great friend to them all in their later careers.

Billy was more than a footnote in the history of the Beatles, though. He wrote some truly great funk songs ("Nothing from Nothing" and "Will It Go 'Round in Circles" being the most famous) and performed some awesome covers (he does a really soulful version of Paul's "Blackbird") and wrote some amazing songs for other people (Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful"). He was a troubled guy throughout his life, but he still sounded great singing and playing "With You I'm Born Again" with Vonzell on American Idol last season.

He and and his killer 'fro will be missed.