Billy Preston - My Sweet Lord

A cover of George Harrison's 'My Sweet Lord' from Billy Preston's 1970 album Encouraging Words

[annoldham]

It's a beautiful song. When Billy or George sings it!

[irwingirven]

Both versions are deliciously lovely! And they both move me spiritually, towards a better day!

[kardodee]

I also heard that George wrote it and gave it to Billy Preston some weeks before he (George recorded it). Both versions are indeed masterpieces.

[donnamoreno]

Congrats to Billy, who will be inducted into the "Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame"! 🎶🎤🎹

[GordonHeron-ojzb]

Sweet lord, just says everything, God bless you Billy.

[javariuscorpening]

God bless the soul of Billy Preston he’s a national treasure to music 🔥

[PetMedia]

I love it. I just finished listening to Billy singing this when he is older. I feel his passion for singing this here But if you listen to him singing it when he is older you can feel it in your soul

[acedill]

Edwin Hawkins singers in the background brings the gospel sound to an otherwise multi-genre inspirational tune. One of my favorites when I was a kid.

[stephenredondo]

Thank you Mr. Preston for some of the best music in my early years growing up. My sweet lord my he rest in peace.

[Sparkina]

A masterpiece indeed. Billy’s version has a different feel than George’s

[Johnnralph]

In December 1969 the Beatles were still together and George Harrison had no plans to make a solo album of his own. He reportedly intended to offer 'My Sweet Lord' to Edwin Hawkins but decided record it with his Apple records mate Billy Preston for whom Harrison was co-producing a second Apple album, 'Encouraging Words' for. It was recorded in January 1970 supported by the guitarist, bass player & drummer from the Temptations' backing band & The Edwin Hawkins Singers, who Harrison invited to participate when they happened to be on tour in the UK. George Harrison released his own version in Nov the same year. It was the first No 1 by an ex Beatle & was the biggest selling UK single of 1971.

[zebedenasvarumonis]

George Harrison originally gave the song to his fellow Apple Records artist Billy Preston to record. Then few months later George released this song in November 1970 on his triple album All Things Must Pass. And when Harrison's version of "My Sweet Lord" reached commercial success, became biggest seller and international number 1 hit (UK and N. America), only then on 10 February 1971, Bright Tunes Music Corporation filed suit against Harrison (but not Billy Preston), alleging copyright infringement of the late Ronnie Mack's song "He's So Fine". With liability established, the court recommended an amount for the damages to be paid by Harrison and Apple to Bright Tunes, which totaled at $1, 599, 987. There were always vultures for big money.

[philipjones]

May Billy rest in the peace of Jesus🙏🏽✝️❤️💥

[andyward]

This IS the original recording. George gave it to Billy Preston in January 1970. With the Edwin Hawkins singers and their backing band.

[jerryedelstein]

Saw Billy along with Leon, Elton, Rita and McKendree Spring @ Filmore Easter about 55 years ago on a"Stoner Night"!

[paulosilveira]

when I listen this I fell me close to God

[cmulwee]

Some sources say that Billy Preston actually recorded it first even though George Harrison wrote it. Remember Billy Preston was the "Fifth Beatle" just before the group disbanded. But this info(About Preston having recorded and or released it first) is not etched in stone. It's still possible that George did it first. Both are great in their own way. Billy's is uptempo and George's own is a slow ballad.

[genellemajied]

I love Billy Preston's cover of this George Harrison song. I especially like that he gave it a gospel flavor.

[spinalcrackerbox]

Hadn't heard this in a while and just realized for the first time that this arrangement formed the base of the extended live version George and band performed as the final encore of every show on his 1974 North American tour.

[donaldwagner]

MY FAVORITE MUSIC MY SWEET LORD SONG THE BEST GEORGE HARRISON SONG RIP , AND BILLY PRESTON .