Billy PrestonSoul musician Billy Preston was born on September 2, 1946 in Houston, Texas and raised mostly in Los Angeles, California. He began playing piano while sitting on his mother's lap at age three. He has collaborated with some of the greatest names in the music industry: Aretha Franklin, Sammy Davis Jr., Quincy Jones, Eric Clapton, The Jackson Five, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Miles Davis titled a song Billy Preston in his honor. Billy Preston's online biography is extensive and can be viewed on his website. [1] (http://www.billypreston.net/) Discography1965
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1997. Cliff has sold more singles in the UK than any other act with sales exceeding 20.1 million records. 1996. Cliff Richard has scored 14 #1 singles in the UK; more than any other artist with the exception of Elvis Presley and The Beatles. 1995. He also featured on the 1989 christmas number one by Band Aid II, thus appearing at the top of the charts for three consecutive Christmases. 1994. In later years, he often released songs with a christmas or other religious theme:. 1993. His first christmas number one (on some charts) was in 1960, but it was not a yuletide-themed song:. 1992. Cliff Richard has aimed for the Christmas number one single on several occasions, sometimes successful and others not. 1991. Britons are always surprised that he is a virtual unknown in America. 1990. The Shadows had decided to re-form for one final tour of the UK, with this concert heralded as their final ever concert as the Shadows. 1989. After having not performed as Cliff and the Shadows since 1989/1990, Cliff joined the Shadows on stage on June 14, 2004, at the London Palladium. 1988. Sir Cliff has become joint owner of the Arora International Hotel in Manchester, which opened in June 2004. 1987. The Ultimate Pop Star, a Channel 4 programme screened in 2004, revealed that Cliff Richard had sold more singles in the UK than any other music artist, ahead of the Beatles in second place and Elvis Presley in third. 1986. Sir Cliff is number 56 in the 2002 list of 100 Great Britons (sponsored by the BBC and voted for by the public). 1985. He reached the pinnacle of his career when he was knighted. 1984. Cliff remained a tennis fan, however, delighting Wimbledon crowds with an impromptu singalong on one rainy afternoon in 1996. 1983. Later, his relationship with Sue Barker was the subject of much gossip, but they disappointed those who expected them to marry. 1982. In 1974, he denied the rumor that he had asked his good friend Olivia Newton-John for her hand in marriage. 1981. The Shadows later re-formed (and later again split), and recorded on their own, but reunited with Cliff in 1978 and 1984 for some concerts. 1980. Strangely enough, those who were initially sceptical of his move into other types of songs, later changed in their own beliefs and did similarly on their own records. 1979. He has become an artist who has not been categorised in one single mould, but has been a wild rock n roller, a ballad singer, a heavy rock singer, who even found it natural to move into dance beats. 1978. Although many fans, such as John Lennon, had in the early 60s regretted Cliff trying out songs which were not strictly in the rock n roll area, this process of slowly getting used to recording with the Shadows as the "rock group", while at other times singing with other musicians, without a doubt is at least partly responsible for Cliff becoming what he has become. 1977. Cliff had already become used to not having his Shadows with him in recording sessions, and was able to record in any setting. 1976. After the Shadows split in 1968, resulting also in the split of Cliff Richard and the Shadows, Richard had to record without his band. 1975. As time progressed, he balanced his life and work out, enabling him to still be the most popular singer in Britain while also one of the best known Christians. 1974. He still recorded secular songs with the Shadows, some of which introduced revolutionary recording techniques which influenced the Beatles and other groups, but he gave a lot of his time to Christian work. 1973. Soon after, Cliff re-emerged and performed with Christian groups and recorded some Christian material. 1972. After intending to become a teacher instead, Christian friends told him that he didn't have to give his career up just because he had become a Christian. 1971. Although his image had already become tamer due to his film roles and well spoken voice on radio and TV, he still rocked on stage. 1970. First of all Richard believed that he should quit rock n roll, as he thought he could no longer be the rocker who had in the early years been called a 'crude exhibitionist' and 'too sexy for TV' and a threat to parents' daughters. 1969. To stand up publicly as a new Christian was a big and brave decision which affected his career in various ways. 1968. Another important aspect of Cliff's life was his conversion to Christianity in about 1966. 1967. He also did more work with Olivia Newton-John, and to cap the decade off, filled the Wembley Stadium for a few nights with a spectacular simply titled "The Event". 1966. In the space of a few years he had worked with Elton John, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, Julian Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Stevie Wonder, Phil Everly, Janet Jackson and Van Morrison, to name a few. 1965. In the next years into and through the 1980s, Cliff was the biggest pop star in the country, and he became a magnet for other music greats. [1] (http://www.billypreston.net/). A true Cliff revival was happening. Billy Preston's online biography is extensive and can be viewed on his website. A number of other strong albums were produced, and in 1979 he went to number one with We Don't Talk Anymore. Miles Davis titled a song Billy Preston in his honor. People like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Elton John began being seen sporting big "I'm Nearly Famous" badges on their clothes, so pleased that their icon was getting heavily back into the heavy rock that he began his career in. He has collaborated with some of the greatest names in the music industry: Aretha Franklin, Sammy Davis Jr., Quincy Jones, Eric Clapton, The Jackson Five, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. It wasn't just Cliff and the fans who were excited that the man who had begun and led British rock from the start was back in strength, but also a host of big music names. He began playing piano while sitting on his mother's lap at age three. The collaboration produced the landmark Cliff album "I'm Nearly Famous", which brought about the classic rock guitar driven track "Devil Woman" and the haunting "Miss You Nights". Soul musician Billy Preston was born on September 2, 1946 in Houston, Texas and raised mostly in Los Angeles, California. He was in everyone's homes, and gave enjoyment to all the family, and although still recording and being successful, Cliff and others like his former Shadow Bruce Welch decided that they would once again bring Cliff out as a "rock" artist again. Undiscovered Soul (Import Bonus Tracks) - Polygram International. The tv shows made Cliff into a tv personality and not necessarily primarily a recording singer. Ultimate Collection - Hip-O Records. During the 1970s, Cliff became heavily involved in tv shows, like 'It's Cliff Richard', many of which also starred Hank Marvin. Ultimate Collection - HIP-O Records. The Beatles had became huge once America took to them, and this in turn opened up the path across the Atlantic. Steal This Movie - Artemis Records. However he did not have the advantage the new acts had of being able to release music and having it go directly to the USA as well. Soul Survivor - Direct Source Label. Throughout the 1960s, Cliff stayed at the top, even at the height of Mersey music. Retrospective - Cleopatra. The record set the Shadows on a path of their own, and soon became the greatest instrumental group of all time. Pure Love - Polygram Records. In 1960, the Shadows (though having previously recorded as the Drifters without Cliff) released 'Apache', which saw the birth of British rock guitar instrumental music. Plugged In - Phil Driscoll. Hits in this mould included It's All in the Game, Constantly, The Minute you're Gone and Wind Me Up. Anthology & 10 Year Anniversary - Cleopatra. In the early days, Cliff sometimes recorded without the Shadows, mainly to cater for other styles. Ultimate Hits Collection - Rhino Records. He also represented the UK twice in the Eurovision Song Contest, both times unsuccessfully, though his first attempt, Congratulations, was a massive hit in Britain and most of the world and has become a standard, still sung on suitable occasions.. The Muppets from Space - Sony Capitol. These movies created their own genre known as the "Cliff Richard musical" and led to Cliff being named the Number One Cinema Box Office Attraction in Britain for both 1962 and 1963. Cliff's first straight acting role took place in the 1968 film "Two a Penny, which saw him as a young man who gets involved in drug dealing while questioning his life after his girlfriend changes her attitude. Soul Classics MCA Special Products. Cliff and the Shadows appeared in a number of films, most notably in The Young Ones (which would give its name to 1980s TV sitcom The Young Ones), Summer Holiday, Wonderful Life and Finders Keepers. Only Soul 1975-1979. The Beatles were taken to Cliff and the Shadows concerts and instructed about clothes, stage presence and various other things, and being of the same fold at Abbey Road, were good friends with the band. Muppets from Space - Varese Records. Most well known groups of the 1960s and 1970s started off as imitators of Cliff and the Shadows, singing and playing only Cliff and the Shadows' material, and groups were trained by following how they did things. Mother, Jugs and Speed. It was due to them that Parlophone were looking for a 'second' Cliff and the Shadows, and eventually took the Beatles. Funk Classics. Cliff and the Shadows basically re-wrote convention in British recording companies and opened EMI up to the importance and strength of rock n roll. Divine Sounds: Best of Classic Gospel - MCA. It was the same with their appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show (which was responsible for much of the Beatles success, but didn't really help Cliff and the Shadows). Billy Preston (Rivie're) - RIVI. They toured the United States and most often stole the show from the accompanying American acts of the time. The problem was that the record company didn't get behind them strongly enough with distributing albums etc and so the chances were lost. 70 #1 Hits from the 70's. In the period between 1958 and 1963, Cliff Richard and the Shadows stood as the biggest thing in Britain. Wonsaponatime - Capitol. The Shadows had a few more bass players and also took in Brian Bennett on drums. Undiscovered Soul (US) - Polygram. A serious accident halted Jet's success, but he later re-emerged with Jeff Beck (Yardbirds), Ron Wood (Rolling Stones), and Rod Stewart as The Faces; however this group didn't last long. The Best of Billy Preston - A&M Records. One member of Jet and Tony's band was John Paul Jones, later a member of Led Zeppelin, and Jimmy Page also recorded with them. Soul Classics: Best of the 70's - Rebound Records. Tony Meehan and Jet Harris eventually left the group and teamed up very successfully in the charts. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - Polygram. If Sheridan had been in the club that day, The Beatles may have never been heard from. Sgt. Hank then said he teamed with Bruce Welch, and so Foster on that day brought in two new members to the Drifters. 3 - Polygram Records. Foster was then told of a guy who was a brilliant guitarist, and so Foster met Hank Marvin. Non-Stop Funk, Vol. Tony wasn't there when Foster arrived, and Foster was in a hurry and couldn't wait long. 1 Hits of the 70's - Rebound Records. The man being looked for was Tony Sheridan, who the Drifters knew, and who later recorded in Hamburg with The Beatles as his backing band, which led them to getting a recording contract in Britain. No. He went back to the '2 I's club, a popular hangout for musicians. Night I Fell in Love/Give Me the Reason/Power of Love - Sony. On that day, Cliff's manager, John Foster, was looking for a new lead guitarist. Men of Gospel: We Are Soldiers - MCA. As Jet Harris, Tony Meehan, Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch joined, some very significant 'lucky events' happened, for the band, and also for the world. Popular music could have been totally changed if certain events did not happen, especially in one single day in Soho. King Curtis & The Kingpins. By that time, the band's line up had changed. Funk Fest - RIVI. The Drifters didn't back Cliff on record until his third release, Livin' Lovin' Doll (not to be confused with the subsequent smash Living Doll). Back on My Feet Again: Songs of Hope & Inspiration. Another possible reason for the flip was that influential TV producer Jack Good, who grabbed the act for his TV show "Oh Boy!", said the song to be sung on his show had to be "Move It!" The single was flipped and went to number 2 in the charts. Vivir - FONOVISA INC. One story says that their producer Norrie Paramor, played the record to his daughter, and she raved about the B-side instead of the A-side. Universal Love. There are a number of stories about why the A-side song was replaced by the B-side. Too Much Woman. This was "Move It", written by Ian "Sammy" Samwell, who was at the time a new member of the group. The World of Soul. But Cliff was allowed to record one of their own for the B-side. Thanks for Sharing - Quality Records. Norrie Paramor provided a rather bland number called 'Schoolboy Crush', a cover of an American record by Bobby Helms. Synth Me Up: 14 Classic Electronic Hits - HIP-O RECORDS. But back to the first record in 1958. Songs from a Parent to a Child - Sony. Typically, the Shadows closed the first-half with a 30 minute set of their own and then backed Cliff on his show-closing 45 minute stint. 1. In the early 60s, Cliff and the Shadows were virtually inseparable as the biggest concert draw in Britain. Rhythm and Blues, Vol. They continued to appear and record with Cliff and wrote many of his hits. Rahsaan Patterson - MCA. Within a short period, they won an EMI recording contract of their own and were making major instrumental hits by the middle of 1960. One Step Up/Two Steps Back: The Songs of Bruce Springsteen - Capitol. However, they were not a backing group just like any other. Genius & Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection 1949 Rhino Records. For instance, Cliff and the Drifters (subsequently the Shadows) would be contractually separate entities and the group would not receive any performer royalties for the records they made backing Cliff. Desesperadamente Enamorado - FON. From now on, he would be a solo star rather than merely member of a group. Bridges to Babylon - Virgin Records. This marked a major point in Cliff's career. BeBe Winans - Atlantic. The producer, Norrie Paramor, had little faith in the Drifters and consequently brought in two experienced session men, Ernie Shear & Frank Clarke, to provide critical backing on lead guitar and bass. Words & Music. Cliff (not the group) gained a contract with EMI in the summer of 1958 and went into Abbey Road Studios to record his first record on July 24. The Life (Original Cast) - RCA. At the suggestion of a manager, who thought it would be good to have someone's name out front, they became Cliff Richard and the Drifters and later Cliff Richard and the Shadows. Si El Norte Fuera El Sur - Sony. Cliff Richard, a guitarist and lead singer, was one of the founding members of The Drifters (not to be confused with the American group of the same name). Peace Beyond Passion - Warner Brothers. Sir Cliff Richard (born Harry Webb in Lucknow, India, on October 14, 1940) is the stage name of one of the UK's most popular singers. Organic - Sony. 2000s - 0; his closest was "Santa's List" which made #5 in December 2003. On the Air - Unidisc Records. 1990s - 2; "Saviour's Day", "The Millennium Prayer". Love Brought Me Back - Sony. 1980s - 2; "Living Doll", "Mistletoe & Wine". It Takes Two (Columbia). 1970s - 1; "We Don't Talk Anymore". International Be Encouraged - Savoy Records. 1960s - 6; "Please Don't Tease", "I Love You", "The Young Ones", "The Next Time/Bachelor Boy", "Summer Holiday", "The Minute You're Gone", "Congratulations". Go Cat Go. 1950s - 2; "Living Doll", "Travelling Light". 16 Most Requested Songs - Sony. 2003: "Santa's List" (#5). Spanner in the Works 1995 Warner Brothers. 1999: "Millennium Prayer" (#1, but dropped off the top before christmas). 2 - SOCL. 1990: "Saviours' Day" (#1). Soulful Love Duets, Vol. 1989: "Whenever God Shines His Light" (duet with Van Morrison, #20). Sam Cooke's SAR Records Story. 1988: "Mistletoe & Wine" (#1). 2. 1982: "Little Town" (#12). Radio Daze: Pop Hits of the 80s, Vol. 1960: "I Love You" (#1). Motown Duets - PGD Special Markets. Minister of Music. In the House. In Celebration - Angel Classics. Headin' for an Overload. Billy's Back. Billboard Hot Soul Hits: 1973 - Rhino Records. Billboard Hot Soul Hits - 1972 - Rhino Records. The SAR Records Story - ABKCO. 2 - Hot Productions. The Best of Motorcity Records, Vol. 1 - Hot Productions. The Best of Motorcity Records, Vol. 3 - Rhino Records. Rock Instrumental Classics, Vol. Rhythm Country & Blues - MCA. 2 - Hot Productions. Pulsating Rhythms, Vol. Precious Stone: In the Studio - ACE (U.K.). Motown's Disco Party Pac. Motown Comes Home. Heartaches & Harmonies (Box Set) - Rhino Records. Giovanni Jovanotti. 2. 12 by 12 - Megatone Classics, Vol. Wandering Spirit - Atlantic. 2 - Hot Productions. Pulsating Rhythms, Vol. My World - Warner Brothers. 2: The Motown Singles Collection 1972-1992. Hitsville USA, Vol. Duets - MCA. Crossing. Carlito's Way - Sony. Up-Front. The Collection. Ono Box- RYKO Disc. Jefferson Airplane Loves You - RCA. 13 - Rhino Records. Soul Hits of the 70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. Silver Lining - RYKO Disc. Listen to the Band - Rhino Records. Gospels, Spirituals & Hymns - Sony. Back to Mono (1958-1969) - ABKCO. Red Hot & Blue: Lee Atwater & Friends - Curb Records. Pretty Woman - Capitol. Mama Roo - GNP Crescendo. All-Star Band - RYKO Disc. Billboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1974 - Rhino Records. Billboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1973 - Rhino Records. Take Me Back - Platinum. Platinum Entertainment All Our Love - MCA Special Products. 2 - Capitol. Past Masters, Vol. Imagine: John Lennon (Original Soundtrack) - Capitol. Ii). Total Happiness (Music from the Bill Cosby Show, Vol. Steppin' Up - Milestone Records. Soul Survivor - MCA Special Products. Wired. Endless Love: Motown Love Songs - Motown / PGD. Down and Out in Beverly Hills. 30 Greatest Hits - Atlantic. The Night I Fell in Love - Sony. Aretha's Jazz - Atlantic. In a Special Way - Motown / PGD. Pressin' On. Gone Troppo. The Way I Am. Sucking in the 70's. Billy and Syreeta. Standing Tall. Late at Night. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Sgt. Luxury You Can Afford - WEA International. Behold. Whole New Thing. Love You Live - Virgin Records. No Reason to Cry - Polygram Records. Black & Blue - Virgin Records. Billy's Bag. Billy Preston (A&M). 33 & 1/3. 2nd Resurrection. The Genius of Billy Preston. The Genius of Billy Preston. Sounds Spectacular. It's My Pleasure. It's My Pleasure. Harder to Live. Extra Texture - Capitol. Discomania (1975). Blood on the Tracks - Sony. The Place I Love. The Kids & Me. Martha Reeves. Live European Tour. It's Only Rock and Roll - Virgin Records. Goodnight Vienna - Capitol. Dark Horse - Capitol. Body Heat - A&M Records. Ringo - Capitol. Original Billy Preston: Soul'd Out. Goats Head Soup - Virgin Records. Everybody Likes Some Kind of Music. Walker. David T. Together. Something's Coming. Music Is My Life. Forget Me Nots. Exile on Main Street - Virgin Records. Dollars - not rated. Young, Gifted & Black - Rhino Records. The Concert for Bangladesh - Capitol. Sticky Fingers - Virgin Records. Live at Fillmore West - Koch International. I Wrote a Simple Song - MCA Special Products. Aretha Live at Fillmore West - Rhino Records. Organ Transplant. Encouraging Words. All Things Must Pass - Capitol. 30 Great Hits. Let It Be - Apple. That's the Way God Planned It. Sixteen Year Old Soul. I Heard That!. Greazee Soul. Billy Preston (Buddah). Abbey Road - Apple. The Beatles (White Album) - Apple. Club Meeting. Wildest Organ in Town!. Most Exciting Organ Ever. Early Hits. |