Keyboard legend Billy Preston, who was dubbed 'the fifth Beatle', has died in Phoenix, Arizona after a long illness. He was 59.
Preston, who also worked with the Rolling Stones, had been in a coma since November after battling with chronic kidney failure.
He collaborated with the Beatles for 'Get Back' and the Rolling Stones for 'Can't You Hear Me Knocking?'.
Preston also had success as a solo artist, winning a Grammy in 1973 for 'Outta Space'. He also had hits with 'Will It Go Round In Circles', 'Nothing From Nothing' and 'With You I'm Born Again'.
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger said: "Billy was a fantastic and gifted musician.... a superb singer in both recording sessions and on-stage."
"He was great fun to be with on-stage when touring with us and I will miss him a lot."
He earned the nickname 'the fifth Beatle' for his many collaborations with the group, working with them on the 'Let It Be' and 'Abbey Road' albums. He also took part in their final rooftop concert.
More recently he made a cameo appearance in Blues Brothers 2000, alongside Eric Clapton, BB King and Stevie Winwood.
