Get Back was released as a single 55 years ago in April of 1969 and as the final track on the album Let It Be in May of the following year. The song was recorded by The Beatles and Billy Preston at the band’s London Apple Studios.

Preston’s relationship with The Beatles goes back to 1962 when George Harrison met him while he was touring with Little Richard, and they became friends. George Harrison, after catching Presten at a Ray Charles show in London, invited him to play the electric piano for the recording of Get Back.

Preston, while in the studio, is credited with reducing the tension that was tearing the group apart, allowing them to finish what was to be the final Beatles’ album. His presence in the studio was so appreciated that he was given credit for the song, the first and last time The Beatles ever shared that honor.

Get Back, reached number one in the UK, the U.S., and a least 7 other countries. The song was the first single released in true stereo by the Beatles in the U.S.

Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner
But he knew it couldn’t last
Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona
For some California grass

Source: The Beatles. Graphic: Sleave for UK Reissue of Get Back, Apple Corps, 1982.