Music history does not knock politely, and Billy Preston arrived, kicking the door open with a grin and a gospel chord. A peerless keyboard virtuoso, he steadied The Beatles during the 'Let It Be,' sessions, earned Fifth Beatle lore, and brought joy-soaked soul to rock’s most volatile moments.

Now, a musical documentary blends that astonishing career into one narrative, prompting audiences everywhere to ask precisely where it streams.

The documentary Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It is currently available to watch at home via DOC NYC’s online festival. This option is emphasized after an equipment failure at Village East Cinemas rendered the screening room inaccessible to wheelchair users.

The accessibility notice stated that the affected auditorium cannot accommodate wheelchair access at this time. As a result, the DOC NYC online festival presentation serves as the primary viewing option, allowing audiences to experience the film without venue-related limitations.

The film also began a theatrical rollout in select North American markets starting February 20, 2026. Screenings include Film Forum, followed by IFC Center, Village East by Angelika, and regional venues such as the Belcourt Theatre and The Loft Cinema, distributed by Abramorama.

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Aside from the documentary being based on a star like Billy Preston himself, it has other aspects that will easily weave you in.

Directed by Paris Barclay, Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It examines the tension between Preston’s radiant public image and his deeply private struggles. The film contrasts Fifth Beatle mythology with intimate accounts of trauma, identity, and survival.

Rare footage from the 'Let It Be' sessions illustrates how Preston instantly eased friction within The Beatles. His musical origins are traced from childhood gospel performances with Mahalia Jackson to early film appearances alongside Ray Charles.

The documentary confronts Preston’s struggle to reconcile his inner self while also keeping it in check with Black church doctrine, addressing childhood s----- abuse and its link to later addiction and legal troubles. It also captures his exuberant performances, including the Concert for Bangladesh, and reveals the maternal inspiration behind ‘You Are So Beautiful.’ All told, Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It treats genius and fragility as equal co-stars, inspiring the same reverent curiosity once reserved for documentaries about Jeff Buckley.

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What aspect of Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!