The timing of this Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction is perfect, given the recent release of the 8-hour Beatles documentary Get Back. Keyboardist Billy Preston plays a key role in that series, joining The Beatles on some of their most iconic recordings, as well as their final live performance.

Preston has such a gregarious and calming presence in that footage. It’s a joy to watch him work, and sad to know the turn his life took in later years.

Preston is best-known as an essential sideman to acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Everly Brothers, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and Little Richard. His work with The Beatles earned him a credit alongside the band on the ‘Get Back’ single and recognition as one of very few “fifth Beatles.”

Preston also had a prolific solo career, releasing more than a dozen albums and scoring three #1 hits (‘Get Back,’ ‘Will it Go Round in Circles’ and today’s SOTD).

Fun fact: Preston reportedly coined the phrase “if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with,” and gave it to Stephen Stills, who used it in his a single.

The 70s and 80s treated Preston well, but things took a bad turn in the 90s. He fell into drug addiction and was arrested on charges of possession, drunk driving and assault. He spent a lot of time in rehab. Incidents where he was accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy and another man brought to light the homosexuality he had suppressed in shame for most of his life.

Preston died in 2006 after slipping into a coma following multiple health issues. His funeral was attended by a lineup of artists who could make up their own Hall of Fame.