Billy Preston - The Kids & Me (1974)

Billy Preston was an American singer-songwriter and keyboard player, best known for his talents on the Hammond organ.

Coming home from his two-month tour of Europe as opening act and guest keyboard player for The Rolling Stones, Billy Preston quickly got to work on his next solo album, mostly recorded with his own band (keyboardists Hubert Heard and Kenneth Lupper, and drummer Manuel Kellough). He also found time to play on the Stones' It's Only Rock & Roll album shortly afterwards.

The Kids & Me came out later in 1974, showcasing more upbeat, finely polished R&B full of great keyboard playing. Several of the songs were notable for the prominent use of synthesizers. One song, "You Are So Beautiful", was co-written with Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys. Guitarist Joe Walsh also made an appearance.

The album was one of his most successful, charting at #17 on the Billboard Top 200. It also generated another #1 hit single, with the brilliant "Nothing From Nothing". The instrumental "Struttin'" also got to #11 on the R&B chart. In 1975 Preston was a musical guest on the first ever episode of Saturday Night Live, performing "Nothing From Nothing".

Later in 1974 Joe Cocker covered "You Are So Beautiful", and it gave him a huge hit at #5.

Live European Tour (1974) <|> It's My Pleasure (1975)
More from Billy Preston

Download