“Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It” Reveals His Fluid Talent
- Mona King Austin
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
The twinkle in the talented fingers God-gifted pianist Billy Preston was heard over multiple genres of music from gospel to Rock 'n Roll in the sixties and seventies. This rare breadth in an artist is being celebrated in a new feature documentary, Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It, is bringing the life and legacy of one of music’s most unsung artist . The film chronicles the extraordinary life and six-decade career of Billy Preston, a Grammy-winning musician known for his work with iconic artists such as The Beatles, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and The Rolling Stones. It features never-before-seen archival footage, studio outtakes, and rare photographs, providing an in-depth look at Preston's contributions to music and his personal struggles.
The film opens in U.S. theaters on February 20, 2026, debuting at Film Forum in New York City before expanding to select North American markets.
A Deep Look at a Six-Decade Musical Force
The documentary traces the Preston's remarkable journey. the Grammy‑winning virtuoso whose fingerprints are on some of the most iconic recordings in modern music. Through never‑before‑seen archival footage, rare studio outtakes, and intimate photographs, the film explores Preston’s collaborations with The Beatles, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and countless others. It also confronts the personal battles he navigated behind the scenes, including addiction and the pressures surrounding his sexuality.
Why Billy Preston Still Matters
Often hailed as “the fifth Beatle,” Preston carved out a towering legacy that stretched far beyond his legendary session work. He delivered chart‑topping hits of his own—“Outa‑Space,” “Will It Go Round in Circles,” “You Are So Beautiful”—and helped define the sound of an era. His breakout single, “That’s The Way God Planned It,” recorded in 1969 for The Beatles’ Apple Records and produced by George Harrison, remains a cornerstone of his catalog.
Creative Team Behind the Film
Director: Multi‑Emmy winner Paris Barclay, who shapes Preston’s story as both a celebration of genius and a portrait of a man wrestling with private pain.
Producers: Stephanie Allain, Jeanne Elfant Festa, and Nigel Sinclair, with executive producers Olivia Harrison and Jonathan Clyde helping shepherd the project.
Music: A score by Robert Glasper and Derrick Hodge adds a contemporary, soulful layer to the narrative, echoing Preston’s own musical innovation.
The documentary positions Preston not just as a supporting player in music history, but as a transformative artist whose influence continues to ripple across genres and generations.
