Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It

The story

With his signature gospel sound on the Hammond B3, Billy Preston doublehandedly elevated the greatest artists of his time – from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, from Aretha Franklin to Eric Clapton, from Ray Charles to Barbra Streisand to Sly and the Family Stone. In our film, we explore Billy's career and influence on generations of musicians, as he scored several number one hits of his own and became one of the most sought-after musicians in the world. He did all of this as a soul divided -- by his deep roots in the church, in constant conflict with his identity as a gay Black man, searching for a family of his own that would accept him for who he was.

Cast & crew

Billy PrestonSelf

Ringo StarrSelf

Olivia HarrisonSelf

Eric ClaptonSelf

Gloria JonesSelf

Suzanne de Passe

Suzanne de PasseSelf

Merry ClaytonSelf

Billy PorterSelf

Cory Henry

Cory HenrySelf

Robert Margouleff

Robert MargouleffSelf

Bill Maxwell

Bill MaxwellSelf

Sam MooreSelf