ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: danjuma1@aol.com
Wednesday, June 7, 2006My tribute to Billy Preston
By Leon Patillo
Special to ASSIST News Service
LAS VEGAS, NV (ANS) -- Yes, Billy Preston, who died at the age of 59 on Tuesday of complications suffered as the result of kidney failure, was my friend. The first time that we met was when we were just teenagers. Billy had heard from a mutual friend that I was a musician and he picked me up and took me to a club to perform with him. The only problem was, Billy was looking for a guitarist and no one informed him that I only played keyboard. Most recently we did a number of things together including the TV show I had on TBN called "Leon and Friends" where Billy was my guest a number of times. A few years back we did an outreach together in Lake Tahoe, California, for Koinonia Foster Homes and, just like myself, he had a heart to help those less fortunate -- especially homeless children. He died at Shea Scottsdale Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona where he'd lived for the last two years and I went and prayed with him and the kidney donor at his last operation and, as usual, Billy was all smiles. I don't think I've ever seen him frown -- except at our last concert together at the Queen Mary when I forgot to order foot peddles for The B3 organ. Last month, I was going to visit him in Arizona--but I sent my pastor instead. When I got the report of his condition I knew he couldn't respond to me anyway so we just prayed for God's mercy. I know my friend Billy is with the Lord. He received Him at an early age and I believe he has just asked the Father to give me a double portion of Billy's gift. God bless you Billy -- we'll sincerely miss your light.
Leon Patillo is one of the pioneers of our time. He was the lead vocalist for the Santana Band, but, as he says, he went from “Santana to Hosanna!” Leon received Christ through the brother of a friend, quit the band, went through a two year Bible Study course, and was later ordained by Pastor Chuck Smith. He released his first album, “Dance Children Dance” through Word Records. He released seven more albums, which included such hits as “J.E.S.U.S.”, “Cornerstone” and the famous wedding song, “Flesh of my Flesh.” Leon has performed in places such as Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Hippodrome, England; The Sports Center, Australia; Disneyland and Disney World, the MGM Grand, Las Vegas; The Staples Center and many other major halls, amphitheaters, and churches throughout the world. He was also invited to perform at the Pope’s homecoming in Poland. In past years, He has performed at major festival s in Africa, Jamaica and Scotland.
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.
This story is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of the ASSIST News Service or ASSIST Ministries.
ASSIST News Service is brought to you in part by Gospel for Asia (GFA). Gospel for Asia's passion is to plant churches among the world's most unreached peoples - those who have never heard a Gospel message. More than 15,000 native missionaries are now on the field with more than 29,000 churches planted in 10 Asian nations. You can help sponsor a native missionary for less than a dollar a day. Gospel for Asia is currently working to relieve the poverty and hopelessness of the Dalit communities by reaching out to Dalit children with food, clothing, and an education - all through the love of Jesus Christ. To learn more about GFA and their work among the Dalits (Untouchables) of India please go to their website at www.gfa.org or in North America call 1-800-WIN-ASIA.
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LAS VEGAS, NV (ANS) -- Yes, Billy Preston, who died at the age of 59 on Tuesday of complications suffered as the result of kidney failure, was my friend. The first time that we met was when we were just teenagers. Billy had heard from a mutual friend that I was a musician and he picked me up and took me to a club to perform with him. The only problem was, Billy was looking for a guitarist and no one informed him that I only played keyboard. Most recently we did a number of things together including the TV show I had on TBN called "Leon and Friends" where Billy was my guest a number of times. A few years back we did an outreach together in Lake Tahoe, California, for Koinonia Foster Homes and, just like myself, he had a heart to help those less fortunate -- especially homeless children. He died at Shea Scottsdale Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona where he'd lived for the last two years and I went and prayed with him and the kidney donor at his last operation and, as usual, Billy was all smiles. I don't think I've ever seen him frown -- except at our last concert together at the Queen Mary when I forgot to order foot peddles for The B3 organ. Last month, I was going to visit him in Arizona--but I sent my pastor instead. When I got the report of his condition I knew he couldn't respond to me anyway so we just prayed for God's mercy. I know my friend Billy is with the Lord. He received Him at an early age and I believe he has just asked the Father to give me a double portion of Billy's gift. God bless you Billy -- we'll sincerely miss your light.
Leon Patillo is one of the pioneers of our time. He was the lead vocalist for the Santana Band, but, as he says, he went from “Santana to Hosanna!” Leon received Christ through the brother of a friend, quit the band, went through a two year Bible Study course, and was later ordained by Pastor Chuck Smith. He released his first album, “Dance Children Dance” through Word Records. He released seven more albums, which included such hits as “J.E.S.U.S.”, “Cornerstone” and the famous wedding song, “Flesh of my Flesh.” Leon has performed in places such as Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, Hippodrome, England; The Sports Center, Australia; Disneyland and Disney World, the MGM Grand, Las Vegas; The Staples Center and many other major halls, amphitheaters, and churches throughout the world. He was also invited to perform at the Pope’s homecoming in Poland. In past years, He has performed at major festival s in Africa, Jamaica and Scotland.
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.
This story is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of the ASSIST News Service or ASSIST Ministries.
ASSIST News Service is brought to you in part by Gospel for Asia (GFA). Gospel for Asia's passion is to plant churches among the world's most unreached peoples - those who have never heard a Gospel message. More than 15,000 native missionaries are now on the field with more than 29,000 churches planted in 10 Asian nations. You can help sponsor a native missionary for less than a dollar a day. Gospel for Asia is currently working to relieve the poverty and hopelessness of the Dalit communities by reaching out to Dalit children with food, clothing, and an education - all through the love of Jesus Christ. To learn more about GFA and their work among the Dalits (Untouchables) of India please go to their website at www.gfa.org or in North America call 1-800-WIN-ASIA.
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