Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It: A Review

Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It is a love letter to (and cautionary tale about) legendary R&B singer/songwriter/keyboardist Billy Preston. Director Paris Barclay gives Preston his poignant due in this beautiful documentary filled with concert footage, backstage clips, and revelatory interviews. Barclay delivers a nuanced portrait of the beloved “Fifth Beatle” with the abundant afro, wide smile, and incredible musical gifts. He’s globally revered yet still underappreciated because, as producer Suzanne de Passe explains in the documentary, “…he was just that good.”

Preston (1946-2006) came up in the church, a self-taught musical prodigy whose soul was filled with the gospel music that permeated all his work. By adolescence, word had gotten out about his talent, and he found his way into collaborations with Nat “King” Cole, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, the Stones, Sly Stone, and, of course, the Beatles.

Barclay lays out Preston’s life in pulsating, vibrating images. The movie opens with George Harrison’s 1971 Concert for Bangladesh, with a righteous jam by the era’s biggest rockers playing Billy’s hit “That’s the Way God Planned It.” Billy is mashing those keys when suddenly, as if overtaken by spirit, he leaves his stand and bursts into joyous dance before returning to his piano. It looked like what it likely was – a moment of unfettered joy, a highlight of one’s life. And perhaps it was.

We see Billy at all stages of his life, singing in church, as an adorable child performer, and gaining traction as a session musician. He befriended the Beatles in their Hamburg days and so impressed the lads that they invited him to play on their final album, Let It Be. There’s footage of the dispirited, weary Beatles rehearsing in the studio; when Billy walks in to join them, radiating the goodness and positivity the band was lacking, the atmosphere immediately mellows.

Preston was closest with George Harrison (whose widow, Olivia, co-produced Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It and is interviewed at length), but all the Beatles admired him, to the point of giving him an album credit and a spot on their iconic rooftop session.

Ray Charles hoped Preston would pick up musically where he left off. Eric Clapton adored Billy – his interview is filled with warm observations and heartrending memories.

The documentary is a lovefest for a brilliant performer who was cherished by his church friends, fellow musicians, and collaborators. His closeted homosexuality is acknowledged, as was his childhood trauma from molestation that he was never able to process.

One hour in, former manager Bob Ellis states, “Courvoisier was his worst enemy.” From that point on, That’s the Way God Planned It addresses Preston’s descent into alcoholism and drug addiction, criminal activity, and loss of dignity. He struggled mightily, falling into a grievous downward spiral and losing his battle in 2006 at the age of 59.

There’s a painful scene where Howard Stern comments on his boozy breath while Preston tries to maintain a game face. Devastating media coverage and a litany of health problems followed. All of this is acknowledged.  And while Preston’s humble charm was in evidence in interviews, there was always a quality of holding back that gave him an air of sad mystery.

Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It is a worthy homage to a fine musician and flawed man who deserved a far better fate than he received. But the visceral delights of “Nothing from Nothing,” “Will it Go Round in Circles,” “You Are So Beautiful” (an ode to his beloved mom Robbie), and many other songs permeate this forthright documentary, allowing Preston’s legacy to be one of musical magnificence – and joy.

-Ellen Fagan

Photo: Getty