BILLY PRESTON: THAT’S THE WAY GOD PLANNED IT Screening

Schedule

Thu Apr 16 2026 at 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

Philosophical Research Society | Los Angeles, CA

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Join us for a screening of the exhilarating documentary about the legendary GRAMMY-winning musician - Billy Preston.
About this Event

BILLY PRESTON: THAT’S THE WAY GOD PLANNED IT Screening
AUDITORIUM

Join us for a screening of the exhilarating documentary about the legendary GRAMMY-winning musician - Billy Preston - whose signature sound shaped the work of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Sly Stone, Aretha Franklin, and countless others.Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, studio outtakes, and rare photos, Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned Itis an exhilarating documentary about the legendary GRAMMY-winning musician whose signature sound shaped the work of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Sly Stone, Aretha Franklin, and countless others. Billy Preston was perhaps the most unsung musical hero of his time. Born in Houston, Texas, in 1946, he arrived in Los Angeles with his family three years later. At just 5 years old, he was backing gospel legend Mahalia Jackson. By age 10, he was appearing with Ray Charles on film, and by age 15, he was touring with Little Richard in Hamburg, Germany, where he met Richard’s opening act — The Beatles. He would later perform and record with the biggest names in music, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and countless others. He generated his own unforgettable No. 1 hits, including “Outa-Space,” “Will It Go Round in Circles,” “Nothing from Nothing,” and “You Are So Beautiful” — and his first hit single in 1969, on The Beatles’ Apple Records, “That’s The Way God Planned It,” produced by his lifelong friend, George Harrison.But Billy had quietly held secrets about his sexuality and early sexual abuse, known to very few in his life, which tormented him his entire life, affecting not only his well-being and relationships but also influencing his career choices. It is the interweaving of these complicated aspects of this wonderful musician’s life with his extraordinary musical career that Emmy-winning director Paris Barclay has so thoughtfully crafted in Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It

Interviewees:


Sandra Crouch (deceased)

Derrick Preston

Gloria Jones

Sondra "Blinky" Williams

Valerie Ervin

Cory Henry

Billy Porter

Eric Clapton

David Ritz

Tony Jones

Ringo Starr

Olivia Harrison

Bob Ellis

Merry Clayton

Glyn Johns

Tommy Vicari

Manuel Kellough

Bobby Watson

Bruce Fisher

Keni Burke

Bob Margouleff

Don Mizell

Suzanne de Passe

HON. Bernard J. Kamins

Ret.Sam Moore (deceased)

Joyce Moore

Bill Maxwell



TICKETS: $10 (All Screenings Are In Person Only)

Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.


CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed within exhibited works are solely those of their creators and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Screenings are intended for educational and entertainment purposes.


ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.


REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds for PRS events , except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test. Ticket exchanges may be granted on a case by case basis, pending circumstances.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.


PARKING

We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking. Nearby street parking is available, as well as limited parking onsite at PRS in the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east).


PRS EVENT POLICIES

  • We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
  • Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
  • We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
  • Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
  • No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.
  • There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.
  • We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
  • PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.
  • Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.
  • Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.
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Where is it happening?

Philosophical Research Society, 3910 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 12.51

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