Documentary on Billy Preston, Who Played with The Beatles, Reveals Complicated Details of His Troubled Childhood

Billy Preston is recognized for his crucial contributions to the electric piano on Beatles songs, most notably on “Get Back,” where he received an unprecedented solo credit. He also played keyboard at The Beatles’ rooftop concert that originated the Let It Be album. Beyond his work with The Beatles, he collaborated with Little Richard and The Rolling Stones. However, his solo career took off with the release of his vibrant gospel anthem, “That’s The Way God Planned It.” That’s The Way God Planned It, directed by Paris Barclay, explores Preston’s life, which ended in 2006 at age 59 due to multiorgan failure exacerbated by years of drug and alcohol abuse. The film reveals that Preston never publicly discussed his identity as gay or the childhood abuse he suffered.

Preston began playing piano at age three and sang in the church choir led by his mother. Despite the comfort his faith provided, his church condemned homosexuality. His faith also fueled his career. Merry Clayton believes that Preston’s primary issues stemmed from childhood sexual abuse allegedly committed multiple times by an unknown assailant. With his mother as his manager, he began playing organ for gospel singers like Mahalia Jackson at age 10. The following year, he appeared on The Nat King Cole Show. He later brought his faith to secular music, performing with stars such as Ray Charles and Little Richard, who hired him for a Hamburg tour in 1962, where Preston first met The Beatles. John Lennon nicknamed Preston the “fifth Beatle” in recognition of his contributions to the band in the 1960s. In addition to his work as a sought-after musician, he also scored solo hits such as “Nothing From Nothing” and “It Goes Round In Circles.” Later in life, Preston battled drug addiction, faced sexual assault allegations, and insurance fraud charges, even serving time in jail.

That’s The Way God Planned It aims to shine a light on his life and musical impact. The documentary delves into Preston’s life through interviews with musicians who knew him, discussing his sexuality and his struggles with crack cocaine and alcohol. That’s The Way God Planned It will premiere at Film Forum on February 20, 2026. For more information, visit billyprestonfilm.com. The documentary reveals that interviewees generally did not know about Preston’s sexuality until the 1970s. According to The New York Times, those close to him maintained an unspoken agreement not to inquire, even though most suspected he was gay. In 1979, he faked a romance with Syreeta Wright, his duet partner. Deadline reports that the documentary also explores Preston’s personal struggles, including childhood abuse, addiction, and legal troubles. Collaborators such as Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton, along with fans like Billy Porter, share their thoughts on how living in the closet impacted his life and career.

Exploring Billy Preston’s Hidden Life: A Comprehensive Look at His Career and Personal Struggles

The documentary also addresses darker aspects of Preston’s life, including an allegation that he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy. Additionally, his drug problems impacted his career. For example, he was hired to play piano on a TV talk show but instead sold its equipment to buy crack. The film opens with Preston performing “That’s The Way God Planned It.” According to the documentary, Preston felt embarrassed having to visit Black radio stations in the late 1970s to try to reconnect with his own community, though the film does not address his feelings about working with white musicians earlier in his career. Barclay faced a challenge in exploring Preston’s hidden life, as Preston remained silent on key aspects of his life, even with those who admired him. That’s The Way God Planned It promises to offer a comprehensive look at Billy Preston’s six-decade-long career and the personal struggles that shaped his life. The documentary premieres February 20, 2026.