Hundreds of friends and relatives, including Little Richard and Joe Cocker, came together to celebrate the life and music of Billy Preston at his funeral on Tuesday.

The service, held in California, saw a brass band playing “Amazing Grace” and a number of tributes to the prolific musician and songwriter, reports Billboard.

Preston died on June 6 at the age of 59. He had battled chronic kidney failure, received a kidney transplant in 2002, and had been in a coma since November.

Preston is best known for his time playing with the Beatles. He was often referred to as their fifth member, along with other notable collaborators.

“He made that piano walk and talk,” Little Richard told the funeral crowd. The two toured together in the early 1960s. “There’s nobody in this world who could play the piano like Billy Preston.”

Mourners also heard letters from the likes of Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt.

“I am deeply saddened to lose such a wonderful friend,” wrote McCartney. “I love you Billy.”

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