4 Times Guest Musicians Went Uncredited for Their Contributions

Some of the most famous rock songs of the past were shaped by guest musicians who didn’t get credit at the time. Whether because of band rules or label decisions, their names were left off the original albums. These musicians helped shape the final sound of tracks that became hits, yet their work often went unnoticed by the public. Here are four real cases where well-known artists made key contributions to classic songs but were never officially listed in the credits.

Billy Preston on The Beatles’ “Get Back”

Billy Preston played the keyboard part on The Beatles’ hit “Get Back,” giving the song its groove. His electric piano added a smooth and upbeat sound that helped drive the rhythm. Many fans consider his part essential to the song’s style and success. Preston was invited into the studio during a tense period for the band.

Although he became closely tied to The Beatles, even earning the nickname “Fifth Beatle,” he was not credited on the original album. The single release did mention him, but his name was left off the official LP tracklists and album covers that followed.

Ronnie Wood’s Bass Line on The Rolling Stones’ “It’s Only Rock ’n Roll”

Before he joined The Rolling Stones full-time, Ronnie Wood played bass on their 1974 hit “It’s Only Rock ’n Roll.” He recorded the part during early sessions with Mick Jagger, even though Mick Taylor was still the lead guitarist. Wood’s bass line helped shape the song’s feel, but it was left uncredited.

At the time, Wood was still a member of Faces and had not yet been officially asked to join the Stones. Because of that, the band did not list him in the album’s notes. His involvement became known later through interviews and biographies.

Eric Clapton on George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”

Eric Clapton recorded the lead guitar solo on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” during the sessions for The Beatles’ White Album. George Harrison invited him to add the solo to help lift the song, which had been overlooked by the others. Clapton’s guitar work brought emotion and power to the track.

Even though his contribution was major, Clapton’s name was not included in the album’s credits. The Beatles rarely allowed outside musicians on their recordings, and their label kept that policy in place. Fans didn’t learn the full story until years later through interviews and books.

John Paul Jones on The Rolling Stones’ “She’s a Rainbow”

Before joining Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones worked as a session musician and arranger. One of his best-known early contributions was the string arrangement on The Rolling Stones’ 1967 song “She’s a Rainbow.” The bright orchestral part gave the track its psychedelic charm and made it stand out on the album.

Despite shaping the song’s feel, Jones was not credited for his arrangement on the original release. At the time, session musicians often went unnamed, even if their work played a big role. Jones later went on to become a major figure in rock with Led Zeppelin.