Preston | |
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Preston performing in 2015
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Background information | |
Birth name | Samuel Dylan Murray Preston |
Also known as | Preston |
Born |
Worthing, West Sussex, England |
16 January 1982
Genres | Pop, Britpop, indie rock, Punk, ska, dance-rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, musician |
Instruments | Vocals, guitar, banjo, keyboard |
Years active | 2002–present |
Labels | B-Unique Records |
Associated acts | The Ordinary Boys |
Samuel Dylan Murray Preston (born 16 January 1982) more commonly known as Preston, is an English singer, who is the lead singer of The Ordinary Boys. He also appeared in the reality television show Celebrity Big Brother in 2006, in which he finished fourth. After The Ordinary Boys split in 2008, he embarked on a songwriting career. In 2013 he officially reunited The Ordinary Boys and in 2015 they released their self-titled comeback album.
Samuel Preston was born in Worthing, West Sussex. He was educated at Sompting Abbotts public School and Bishop Luffa School. He is son to Anthony and Miranda Preston (born in Philadelphia), and brother to Alex and Lucy Preston. His grandfather is the Princeton University English professor Samuel Hynes. His brother, Alex Preston, is a novelist. In his teenage years Preston lived in Philadelphia with his mother's side of the family.
Preston became the lead singer of Worthing-based pop group, The Ordinary Boys. They had a string of top-ten hits in the UK Singles Chart. Their most famous song, "Boys Will Be Boys", featured in the 2007 film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
After The Ordinary Boys split, Preston started working on material for a solo album, and released the song "Dressed to Kill", on 5 July 2009 as part of T4. The song samples the introduction from the song "Happy House" by Siouxsie and the Banshees. The single was released on 7 September 2009 but failed to chart after Preston had to delay the launch and pull out of promotional performances after breaking both arms in a bicycle accident. He is now a songwriter. In 2011, Preston co-wrote the number one Olly Murs song "Heart Skips a Beat". Preston announced the reforming of the Ordinary Boys in 2011, and a new 12-date tour. Preston also co wrote the song and duet "Beautiful" by Enrique Iglesias and Kylie Minogue for their respective albums, and his track "Dressed to Kill" was re-recorded by American singer Cher for her album Closer to the Truth.