Don Preston, born into a musical family in Detroit, began his music education early, influenced by his father's work with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and NBC. Serving in the Army from 1950, he played in the band in Trieste, Italy, and discovered contemporary classical music, switching to bass. Returning to Detroit in 1953, he collaborated with jazz musicians like Tommy Flanagan and Elvin Jones before moving to Los Angeles in 1957. Preston gained fame as the keyboardist for Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention from 1966 to 1974 and is noted for his pioneering work in electronic music. Co-founding the Grandmothers, he has performed with artists such as John Lennon and The Doors, and has composed for films and plays. Preston continues to tour and lecture, remaining influential in music and synthesis.
Preston is gearing up for a solo piano European tour in September with a warm up show at Healing Force of the Universe on September 18.