Video: 'Dig A Pony (Anthology 3 Version)'

(Wednesday, January 22, 1969) — Billy Preston joined The Beatles today on the band’s 11th day of the Get Back/Let It Be sessions at the group’s Apple Studios in London.

Preston, who had first met The Beatles in Hamburg in the early 1960s and was currently in London playing with Ray Charles, was invited to Apple by George Harrison.

Video: 'The Beatles Anthology - 8.' (Jan. 22, 1969, at 33:32-34:09)

His presence on piano and keyboards helped flesh out the sound considerably, which was helpful given the “no overdubs” rule of the sessions.

The mood within the sessions was also greatly improved, with greater focus on the songs they intended to perform in the live special, and fewer displacement activities such as cover versions and improvisations.

Video: 'I've Got A Feeling (Anthology 3 Version)'