Preston first came to widespread attention of a U.S. mainstream audience as the organist (and sometimes vocalist) in the house band on the television show 'Shindig,' popular during 1964-66. On tour backing stars Little Richard and Sam Cooke, he met the Beatles (early in their career) in Hamburg, Germany in 1962. He was later invited by George Harrison to join The Beatles in the studio for the filming/recording of 'Let It Be' (1970). Preston's most memorable performance with the Beatles is on the track "Get Back".
The apparent reason for the collaboration was that the project was being done live— without overdubs— and the Beatles wanted a second keyboardist. Preston's soulful style was to compliment the rhythm and blues approach the Beatles had for this album. His was a genre they'd grown up listening to and were reaching back to as well as paying tribute to.
Another apparent reason for Preston's involvement was to buffer the growing tensions between the members of the band (that had started around the time of filming). Everyone set aside their differences to make Preston feel welcome at the sessions. Members of the band have later commented on their joy with working with Preston, whom they respected as a talented musician.
While Preston was never considered for permanent membership in the Beatles (despite stories to the contrary), he did continue working with them through to the end of the 60s: releasing two solo albums on Apple Records (the Beatles' label), collaborating with George Harrison on 'All Things Must Pass', and joining in on the Concert for Bangladesh— one of the first significant benefit concerts of its kind (at Madison Square Garden in 1972). Preston also later made an appearance in the infamous Beatles tribute film 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' (1978), as the title character— Sgt. Pepper. He's sometimes been referred to as a 'Fifth Beatle'.
In addition to work with said group, Preston also played and toured with The Rolling Stones, playing on significant albums such as 'Sticky Fingers' and 'Exile on Main St.' In the 70s, Preston also worked with Bob Dylan, playing as an accompanist on ' Blood on the Tracks', and Aretha Franklin, on her record 'Young, Gifted and Black'. As the years went on, Preston collaborated with numerous other artists including Barbra Streisand and Miles Davis, also notable touring with Sly and the Family Stone for a time. He also played organ with the Ray Charles big band on tour in the late 60s.
In terms of his solo career, Preston's hit tracks "Will It Go 'Round in Circles" and "Nothing From Nothing" both reached all the way to number one in the U.S. and still remain staples of oldies stations. He won a Grammy Award for best pop instrumental performance for "Outa Space" in 1971, and he received an invitation to the White House no less in 1974. Though perhaps overshadowed by his collaborative work, he devolved a strong and devoted fan-base as album after album made it into the Billboard top 200 album chart.
Preston was also the music director and band leader for the Garry Shandling show in the 80s, returning to the TV work that had given him his start. Yet, in the 80s and 90s, Preston sadly suffered substance abuse and financial issues. He spent three years in prison in 1997 for a drugs possession charge handed out earlier that year (cocaine possession and assault).
His last recordings were on the Red Hot Chili Peppers' album 'Stadium Arcadium' and with Neil Diamond for his "12 songs" record, both produced by Rick Rubin.
A U.S. musical legend, Preston passed away at the age of 59 in a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, as a result of "malignant hypertension that resulted in kidney failure and other complications".
Slaughter
Billy Preston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Slaughter does not waste his time
My advice to you is this
If you shoot at him you better not miss
Slaughter's big, bad, black and bold
The brother has a lot of soul
Don't you make him mean and cross
Slaughter
Slaughter come to blow your mind
Slaughter does not waste his time
My advice to you is this
If you shoot at him, brother
You better not miss
Slaughter is big, bad, black and bold
The brother has a whole lot of soul
Don't you make him mean and cross
'Cause he will show you who's the boss
Slaughter
Yeah, Slaughter
Yeah, Slaughter
The song "Slaughter" by Billy Preston is a tribute to a fictional character named Slaughter, who is portrayed as a powerful, charismatic, and intimidating figure. The lyrics describe Slaughter as a black man who is big, bad, bold, and full of soul. He is someone who commands respect and does not waste his time on trivial matters.
The lyrics also suggest that Slaughter should not be crossed, as he is not afraid to show his dominance and power. The line "If you shoot at him you better not miss" implies that if you try to challenge Slaughter, you better come prepared and be willing to face the consequences of your actions.
Overall, the song celebrates the strength and confidence of Slaughter as a symbol of black empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting individuals who have achieved greatness and made a significant impact in their community.
Line by Line Meaning
Slaughter's going to blow your mind
Slaughter is an immensely powerful entity that will leave you awestruck and amazed by his abilities.
Slaughter does not waste his time
Slaughter is a focused and determined individual who is always working towards his goals and does not dabble in frivolous activities.
My advice to you is this
I have some wise words to impart upon you regarding Slaughter and how to handle him.
If you shoot at him you better not miss
If you attempt to bring harm to Slaughter, you must be absolutely sure that you will be successful because failing to do so is not an option.
Slaughter's big, bad, black and bold
Slaughter is a powerful and formidable figure who commands respect and exudes confidence and strength.
The brother has a lot of soul
Slaughter possesses an intangible quality that sets him apart from the rest and makes him special, likely referring to his musical talent and passion.
Don't you make him mean and cross
You should not provoke or upset Slaughter, as he is not one to take kindly to disrespect and can become angry and vengeful.
'Cause he'll show you who's the boss
By challenging Slaughter, you will face consequences and be forced to acknowledge his supreme power and authority over you.
Slaughter come to blow your mind
Slaughter has arrived and is ready to impress and amaze you with his amazing talents and abilities.
If you shoot at him, brother
A friendly reminder that trying to harm Slaughter is a risky endeavor with potentially dire consequences.
Slaughter is big, bad, black and bold
Once again, emphasizing Slaughter's commanding and intimidating presence and aura.
The brother has a whole lot of soul
Repetition of the earlier statement regarding Slaughter's unique and exceptional talent and passion.
Yeah, Slaughter
A celebratory cheer for the one and only Slaughter!
Yeah, Slaughter
Reiteration of the previous cheer, emphasizing the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding Slaughter's presence.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILLY PRESTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@louiscz6784
The reason Hugo Stiglitz is celebrated among german soldiers is simple: as german enlisted man, he killed 13 Gestapo officers.
Instead of putting him against a wall, the high command decided to send him to Berlin, to be made example of...
...Needles to say, once The Basterds heard about him, he never got there...
@Burialofagod
From the guitar in the beginning of this song you expect the rest of the song to be the hardest heaviest metal song ever. And then you get this....
@jogriffiths5766
Goldie looking' chain used it once.
@xdrcx
Wow this song turned out to be so different to what I thought it would be after only hearing the first riff in Inglorious Basterds
@CMC-NFG
I'm a bit disappointed...
@xdrcx
@Chris McConnell Me too haha
@fieryphoenix586
The guitar riff, organ, and drums sound like a mix between Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Doors. Seems more appropriate for a Vietnam War movie.
@maxeisenhardt8800
"Everybody in the German Army has heard of Hugo Shhhteegleetz"
@rudeboystudios757
ITZZSSAAA BINGOOO
@SpieleBande99
Max Eisenhardt und woher weißt du das?
@sims2mw
+Max Eisenhardt hoogoe schteegleettzs