Be Like Billy.

Years ago, I left my home in the middle of New Jersey, for some California grass. And, then I left my home in California, for some fresh New England grass.

Next week I’ll be following Paul’s instructions:

‘Get back to where you once belonged. Go home!’

That’s right, Thanksgiving is in New Jersey this year, and I’m feeling especially grateful. You see, something truly special is happening. Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, three films documenting the Beatles ‘Let It Be’ sessions will be released. Master of myth, Peter Jackson, has reduced 57 hours of never-seen-before, in-studio Beatles footage to a series of films entitled 'Get Back.'

We get a glimpse into the process of the legendary songwriters, we get to listen in on their conversations, we have the opportunity to hear the kernel of a musical idea that grew into one of the most brilliant songs ever penned (‘Let It Be,’ that is), we get to witness it all culminate in their magical final performance upon the rooftop at Apple Studios…

1 ... 2 ... “DON’T LET ME DOWN! DON’T LET ME DOOOWWWN!”

In advance of the films, I’ve been devouring the ‘Let It Be’ album and, as often is the case with Beatles recordings, I’ve discovered something ‘new.’ This go ‘round the Beatles record, I’ve been drawn to the sheer brilliance of an unsuspecting ‘fifth Beatle’ on the sessions.

Billy Preston.

Producers called him ‘a catalyst’ in the recording, someone who brought a ‘great vibe’ and facilitated the project during a tumultuous time for the group. I feel we can all benefit by striving to be like Billy on the ‘Let It Be’ sessions.

Listen to him in action.

• On ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ the way he fills the space between John’s lyrics is simple yet stunningly sophisticated.
• On ‘Get Back’ his sensibility is just perfect. He effortlessly toggles between supportive and in the spotlight. That melody at the end of the chorus! That SOLO!!
• On ‘Let It Be,’ put your listening ears on. His playing can be heard subtly blended with the background vocals on the chorus, his pre-chorus fill gives a slight twist and surprise to a familiar theme, his 5-note fill launches the music into George’s solo.

It’s been a joy to follow Billy Preston's playing through the album. I've had some broader realizations as a result.

Billy Preston found ways to do what the great team players do.

He:

• listened intently,
• elevated the experience,
• contributed something true, and,
• brought out the best in others.

On the 'Let It Be' album, Billy reacts at the right time with the right stuff. I find it inspiring that even THE BEATLES could be pushed farther by inviting the right person into their music.

I believe that this same phenomena occurs in financial planning work done well. It happens when we cross paths with the right people at those serendipitous junctures. Or, when we collaborate with someone that recognizes the potential of working together towards something greater. I'll often note to prospective families and individuals considering financial planning through Greenbeat Financial that developing the right plan is important, finding the right planner is essential.

A financial planner is 'a catalyst' for personal and financial progress. A financial planner collaborates with the people they serve to create 'a great vibe' in their life. We are the Billy Preston's of your financial world.

I'm certain that while watching ‘Get Back’ on Thanksgiving I’ll continue to marvel at the final creation of my favorite band. I’ll laugh, belt out the harmony part to 'Dig a Pony,' do my half-baked John impression, play air piano that loosely mirrors Billy Preston's playing, embarrass myself in front of my family, and probably shed some tears.

Moving beyond these films, I plan on reminding myself to ‘Be like Billy.’

I encourage you to do so as well.

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