Billy preston

Rising crossover star was moving to the world's biggest stages after working with the Beatles and Rolling Stones.

He was a trusted sideman with the Beatles and Rolling Stones who also charted with several solo hits.

Keyboardist "cut the ice" in the studio, allowing the group to ditch the drama and focus on music.

Known for his big smile and his even bigger afro, he died in an avalanche of health, legal and financial problems.

Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney it was released as a single in April of 1969, later included as the closing track on the album 'Let It Be'

You may be scratching your head asking "what does Billy Preston have to do with ROCK?" The answer is a lot.