In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the music world, the late Billy Preston, known for his genius keyboard skills and collaborations with iconic artists, named seven gay black singers he secretly dated before his death.

As he lay dying in a Scottsdale hospice on June 5, 2006, Preston decided it was time to unveil the hidden truths of his life.

With trembling hands, he wrote down the names of these influential men, each representing a chapter of love, pain, and secrecy.

Among them was Little Richard, the flamboyant rock and roll legend who profoundly impacted Preston’s childhood and career.

Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman, was a pioneer in music, known for his outrageous style and unapologetic sexuality.

His influence on Preston was undeniable, as the two shared a complicated relationship that blurred the lines between mentorship and something deeper.

### The Complex Relationship with Little Richard

The bond between Billy Preston and Little Richard began when Preston was just 11 years old.

After a chance meeting at a revival meeting, Richard took the young Preston on tour, introducing him to the world of rock and roll.

However, their relationship was tumultuous, filled with both admiration and emotional turmoil.

Preston later reflected on the pain of their connection, hinting at darker moments that left lasting scars.

During a performance in 1981, he changed the lyrics to his song “You Are So Beautiful,” whispering, “Why, Richard? Why?”

This subtle tribute revealed the depth of their complex relationship, one that was both inspirational and damaging.

### Sly Stone: A Love Entangled in Addiction

The second name on Preston’s list was Sly Stone, the enigmatic leader of Sly and the Family Stone.

Their relationship began in the early 1970s, during a jam session in San Francisco, where they bonded over their shared love of music.

However, Sly’s descent into addiction complicated their connection, intertwining passion with chaos.

Preston found himself spiraling into a world of drugs and emotional turmoil alongside Sly, leading to a tumultuous relationship that blurred the lines between love and addiction.

In 1998, Preston reflected on this time, stating, “That’s when I learned love isn’t always salvation. Sometimes it’s a drug.”

### The Haunting Memory of Donnie Hathaway

The third name, Donnie Hathaway, represents a different kind of relationship—one filled with unspoken love and deep sorrow.

Preston and Hathaway first crossed paths in 1969, and an undeniable connection formed between them, marked by silent understanding and shared musical experiences.

However, Hathaway’s struggles with mental illness created a barrier, and despite their closeness, they never fully connected.

When Hathaway tragically fell from a hotel window in 1979, Preston was left grappling with the weight of their unfulfilled bond.

He remarked, “No one kills themselves out of despair. They do it when there’s nowhere left to place hope.”

This poignant reflection highlights the pain of lost opportunities and the haunting memories of a love that never fully blossomed.

### The Surprising Name: Jermaine Jackson

The fourth name on Preston’s list was Jermaine Jackson, the polished member of the Jackson 5.

Known for his gentlemanly demeanor, Jermaine’s connection with Preston was unexpected, as both men navigated the pressures of fame and public scrutiny.

Their relationship, shrouded in secrecy, was characterized by discreet moments and unspoken affection.

Witnesses recall intimate gestures exchanged during rehearsals, suggesting a bond that went beyond friendship.

In a 1995 interview, Preston hinted at this connection, stating, “There was someone I loved once, but I could only sit beside him in the dark.”

### Andre Simone: A Night That Changed Everything

The fifth name, Andre Simone, marked a brief but impactful encounter.

Their relationship began at a private afterparty following a Prince concert in 1981, where they shared an intimate moment that would change them both.

However, Andre’s inability to confront their connection led to a painful silence, and they never spoke of that night again.

Despite the fleeting nature of their relationship, the impact lingered, haunting both men for years.

### The Unacknowledged Love: Luther Vandross

The sixth name, Luther Vandross, represents a love that was never publicly acknowledged.

Known for his smooth voice and romantic ballads, Luther’s private life remained a mystery, even to those closest to him.

Preston and Vandross shared moments that hinted at a deeper connection, though it was never fully realized.

In his final moments, Preston whispered, “We slept together, just once. And the next morning, he left like I never existed.”

This haunting admission encapsulates the pain of unreciprocated love and the longing for acknowledgment.

### The Final Name: Michael Jackson

The last name on Preston’s list was none other than Michael Jackson, a name that shocked even those closest to him.

Their relationship began when Michael was just a child, and they shared moments of connection that would leave a lasting impression on both.

Behind the scenes of Motown, their bond grew, culminating in a private encounter that remained unspoken for years.

In his final breaths, Preston acknowledged Michael as the last person to see him as he truly was, before the world turned him into a ghost.

Billy Preston’s final confession reveals a tapestry of love, pain, and secrecy that shaped his life and career.

Through these seven names, he sheds light on the complexities of relationships within the music industry, where fame often masks deeper truths.

As the world remembers Preston not only for his musical genius but also for the intimate connections he shared, one question lingers:

Which of these men truly cared for him?

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