Billy Preston, Houston Native, 1946 – 2006

Billy Preston, Houston Native, 1946 – 2006 June 6, 2006

I saw him in concert; it was 1973. It was Big Ways Birthday Ball, the old Charlotte Coliseum. The headliner was Black Oak Arkansas. (Not my pre-teen cup of tea.)

Also on slate: Charlie Daniels Band (pro-hippy & pre-Jesus) and the Four Tops. I can’t remember the other acts. But, I’ll never forget that big ol’ Billy P hair. He came running out on stage in a shiny suit, swinging the jacket around over his head. He tore up the ivories … “Will it go round in circles!”

Another thing I remember? I remember Black Oak taking the stage in big ol’ whiteboy frizzy hair (pre-conditioner, combs & brushes, too), dressed only in spandex pants. (Unfortunately, that part at least: unforgettable.)

Then, Jim Dandy of Black Oak Arkansas said — growled — after their first incomprehensible number: “People call us animals! We’re not animals! Are we?” (The crowd, hippies nearly all, yelled back in the negative.)

Dandy continued: “WE’RE ALL ALIKE!”

That’s when my Dad said, “Come on, let’s get out o’ here … I ain’t like him.”

I realize I’m showing my age when, thank God, some are asking: “Black Oak What?”

Showing my age, too, by thinking … 59? Whoa. That’s way too soon to go.

May God rest his soul.


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