See the trailer for the Billy Preston doc ‘Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It’

January 21, 2026

Portrait of American Rock & R&B musician Billy Preston as he poses against a red backgound, London, England, January 28, 1972. (Photo by TPLP/Getty Images)

We are getting our first look at the upcoming documentary about legendary musician Billy Preston.

A trailer for Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It has just been released, featuring archival footage of Preston performing, including clips of him with The Beatles.

Ringo Starr says of Preston in the trailer, “He was so great, he never put his hands in the wrong place.”

The film is directed by Emmy winner Paris Barclay. It will give fans insight into the six-decade career of the legendary singer and keyboardist, as well as the struggles he faced in his life.

Preston was known for such hits as “Nothing From Nothing,” “Will It Go Round in Circles” and “Space Race.” He also co-wrote and recorded the classic “You Are So Beautiful,” which became a hit for Joe Cocker. Preston appeared on The Beatles’ Let It Be and Abbey Road albums, and he joined them for their legendary Rooftop concert, which was The Beatles’ last live performance.

Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It is set to open Feb. 20 at the Film Forum in New York City, with plans to release it in select theaters in North America sometime in 2026.