Billy Preston's "Encouraging Words" is a fascinating and culturally significant album, deeply embedded in the music scene of its time, particularly due to its close ties with The Beatles.
About the Artist: Billy Preston (1946-2006)
Billy Preston was a true musical prodigy and a legendary keyboardist, often dubbed "The Fifth Beatle" for his significant contributions to the band's later work. Before his solo fame, he was an incredibly sought-after session musician, having played with giants like Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Little Richard. His immense talent, combined with his joyous, gospel-infused style, made him a unique and respected figure in rock and soul music.
About the Album: "Encouraging Words" (1970)
Release & Label: Released in September 1970 on The Beatles' **Apple Records**, it was Preston's second and final album for the label.
The Sound: The album is a masterful blend of gospel, soul, funk, and rock. Preston's virtuosic organ and piano playing are front and center, driving songs that are both spiritually uplifting and musically infectious.
The "Supergroup" Band: The album was co-produced by Preston and George Harrison. The session musicians were a who's-who of rock royalty, including:
George Harrison** (guitar)
Eric Clapton** (guitar)
Ringo Starr** (drums)
Members of what would become **Derek and the Dominos** (Carl Radle, Jim Gordon, Bobby Whitlock)
The Edwin Hawkins Singers on backing vocals for some tracks.
Cultural Relevance & Context (The Early 1970s)
The album's significance is best understood in the context of its time:
1. The Beatles' Breakup & The "All Things Must Pass" Connection: The album was recorded and released amidst the turmoil of The Beatles' dissolution. George Harrison was overflowing with songs that hadn't found a home on Beatles records. He gave two of his most iconic future tracks to Preston for this album. Consequently, "Encouraging Words" contains the very first released versions of "My Sweet Lord" and "All Things Must Pass,"** predating their appearance on Harrison's own monumental triple album, *All Things Must Pass*, by several months. Preston's version of "My Sweet Lord" is more gospel-oriented and less pop-produced than Harrison's later global hit.
2. A Message of Hope in Turbulent Times: The year 1970 was a period of social and political unrest. The optimism of the 1960s was fading, the Vietnam War was ongoing, and there was a palpable sense of uncertainty. The album's title, "Encouraging Words," was not just a name; it was a mission statement. Tracks like the title song, "Sing One for the Lord," and "Let the Music Play" delivered a message of hope, unity, and spiritual solace that resonated with a public looking for comfort.
3. Bridging Genres and Audiences: Billy Preston was a key figure in bringing the ecstatic energy of Black gospel music to a mainstream white rock audience. While artists like Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke had brought soul to the charts, Preston's direct affiliation with The Beatles placed these gospel themes and sounds squarely in the rock world, helping to further blur the lines between sacred and secular music.
In summary, "Encouraging Words" is far more than a historical footnote. It's a powerful artistic statement from a legendary musician, a preview of one of rock's greatest solo albums, and a perfect capsule of the moment when the 1960s dream gave way to the more complex realities of the 1970s, with artists offering music as a source of hope.