THE STORY
Born September 2, 1946 in Houston, Texas, Billy Prestons’ command of the keyboards at an early age led to his first gig on organ backing the minister at a church where his prodigious talent not only accompanied, but elevated the message.
In his childhood and early teens, Billy suffered sexual abuse from trusted people around him, worsened by his mother’s refusal to acknowledge that it happened. He carried this trauma for most of his life.
And yet, nobody in the history of 20th century music has been such an integral part of so many divergent scenes, from Gospel to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ’60s, to Swingin’ London and the British Invasion, to the 1970s onslaught of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Funk, and Soul, to the Folk tapestry of Topanga Canyon. All of this will play out on screen with joy and positivity. More >
But in keeping with the best documentaries, the spine of our film will be Billy’s personal story. As a gay Black man, Billy struggled with cultural and religious beliefs which led him to dark places. Only late in life was he able to forgive his mother, acknowledge his truth and find peace.
Our story ends with a comeback: Billy’s towering musical accomplishments are matched only by his triumphant personal journey of self-love and acceptance.
Ian Darling, Executive Producer.
THE STORY
Born September 2, 1946 in Houston, TX, Billy Prestons’s command of the keyboards at an early age led to his first gig on organ backing the minister at a church where his prodigious talent not only accompanied, but elevated the message.
In his childhood and early teens, Billy suffered sexual abuse from trusted people around him, worsened by his mother’s refusal to acknowledge that it happened. He carried this trauma for most of his life.
And yet, nobody in the history of 20th century music has been such an integral part of so many divergent scenes, from Gospel to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ’60s, to Swingin’ London and the British Invasion, to the 1970s onslaught of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Funk, and Soul, to the Folk tapestry of Topanga Canyon. All of this will play out on screen with joy and positivity. More >
But in keeping with the best documentaries, the spine of our film will be Billy’s personal story. As a gay Black man, Billy struggled with cultural and religious beliefs which led him to dark places. Only late in life was he able to forgive his mother, acknowledge his truth and find peace.
Our story ends with a comeback: Billy’s towering musical accomplishments are matched only by his triumphant personal journey of self-love and acceptance.
Ian Darling, Executive Producer.