William Martin "Billy" Joel (born May 9, 1949) is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist. Known as the "Piano Man” Joel has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than five decades, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Billy Joel Career Highlights
1964 Joins his first band, The Echoes (later known as The Lost Souls).
1967 Joins the band The Hassles, releasing two albums with them.
1971 Releases his debut solo album, "Cold Spring Harbor."
1973 Gains widespread recognition with the release of "Piano Man” featuring the hit title track.
1977 Releases "The Stranger” which becomes his best-selling album.
1980 Releases "Glass Houses” which features the hit "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me."
1983 Releases "An Innocent Man” a tribute to 1950s and 1960s music.
1993 Releases his final rock album, "River of Dreams."
1999 Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2001 Releases the classical album "Fantasies & Delusions."
2013 Receives the Kennedy Center Honors.
2014-Present Continues to perform monthly residency shows at Madison Square Garden.
Billy Joel Bands
The Echoes (The Lost Souls)
The Hassles
Attila (a duo with drummer Jon Small)
Billy Joel Grammy Awards
1978 Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Just the Way You Are."
1980 Album of the Year for "52nd Street."
1980 Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "52nd Street."
1991 Grammy Legend Award.
Other Grammy Nominations Numerous other nominations throughout his career.
Three Most Famous Billy Joel Songs
1. "Piano Man” Released in 1973, it is one of his signature songs and a staple of his concerts.
2. "Just the Way You Are” A hit from "The Stranger” which won Grammy Awards for Record and Song of the Year.
3. "Uptown Girl” A major hit from the album "An Innocent Man” inspired by his then-wife Christie Brinkley.
Billy Joel Quotes
I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by.
On the future…
I think I've only got one more album in me. I don't know what it is, but I'm not done with music yet.
Billy Joel Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
- Financial Troubles: Joel faced significant financial issues due to mismanagement by his former manager and brother-in-law, Frank Weber, leading to lawsuits and settlements.
- Marriages: Joel has been married four times, with notable marriages to supermodel Christie Brinkley and chef Katie Lee.
- Car Accidents: Joel has been involved in several car accidents, which he has publicly attributed to various personal struggles.
- Retirement from Rock: Although he retired from recording rock music in 1993, he continues to tour and perform live.
- Residency at Madison Square Garden: Since 2014, Joel has maintained a highly successful monthly residency at Madison Square Garden, performing sold-out shows.
Billy Joel Legacy
Billy Joel's contributions to music and his ability to connect with audiences through his storytelling and piano prowess have cemented his legacy as one of the most beloved artists in the music industry. Personally, I’ve always found him a bit twee but his music continues to resonate with fans across generations, and his live performances remain highly sought after.
Billy Joel ratings
