ICFS presents Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It (2026)

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 7 PM

His signature sound shaped the work of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Sly Stone, Aretha Franklin, and countless others — yet Billy Preston was perhaps the most unsung musical hero of his time.

At just five years old, he was backing gospel legend Mahalia Jackson. By age 10, he was appearing with Ray Charles on film, and by age 15, he was touring with Little Richard in Hamburg, Germany.

He performed and recorded with many major artists, including:
- Aretha Franklin
- Sly and the Family Stone
- The Beatles
- The Rolling Stones
- Eric Clapton
- Johnny Cash
- Barbra Streisand
- Neil Diamond
- Red Hot Chili Peppers

He also had his own No. 1 hits, including:
- "Outa-Space"
- "Will It Go Round in Circles"
- "Nothing from Nothing"
- "You Are So Beautiful"

His first hit single was 1969’s "That’s The Way God Planned It," produced for Apple Records by his lifelong friend George Harrison.

Yet Billy had quietly held secrets known to very few. Secrets that tormented him his entire life, affecting not only his well-being and relationships, but also influencing his career choices.

Featuring rare photos, studio outtakes, and never-before-seen archival footage, this documentary interweaves the complicated aspects of this musician's life with his extraordinary musical career.

Not rated. 105 minutes.

Schenectady, New York