Damn.... Billy Preston died...

Billy Preston, amongst other things known for being the ONLY artist ever co-credited with the Beatles, died last night in Scottsdale Arizona.

Apparently he had been comatose since November, reslulting form kidney failure. He was 59.

He'd been touring with Clapton for the last few years, is featured prominently on Claptons "One More Car, One More Rider DVD, and on "The Concert for George" DVD as well.

Damn... he was one of the good ones..

A great man and a great musician, as evidenced by the Beatles requesting his presence on the album Let It Be, when either John or Paul could have easily done the job. The mention was also a great compliment, if you remember Clapton played on the White Album and recieved no mention.

First Vince Welnick and now Billy Preston, we are running out of great keyboardists.

"May the Four Winds blow you safely home"

That's a hard way to go, man, and I'm sorry to hear it.

Guess I'll go dig through some vinyl, tonight...

At least George Harrison will be able to Jam with him again.

Sad news indeed. He was a great songwriter and performer. R.I.P. Billy!

Another music legend bites the dust.

R.I.P. Billy Preston.

I was really sad to hear it. Even though he's been ill for a long time, he continued to make music until the end (the most recent Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond and Red Hot Chili Peppers albums all feature his beautiful keyboard work).

Shamefully enough, there's been lots of petty squabbling over his estate ever since he lapsed into a coma... but I know that it is his enduring enthusiasm for life and music that will be sorely missed by everyone. God bless you, Billy.

Two other recent Beatle-related deaths: Desmond Dekker (name-dropped in "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da") and Jack Fallon (fiddler on "Don't Pass Me By").