Billy Joel (b. 1949)

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"Q102 WIOQ Nylon Curtain Interview with Ed Sciaky" — September 23, 1982

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Biography

William Martin Joel is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Nicknamed the "Piano Man" after his signature 1973 song of the same name, Joel has had a successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s. From 1971 to 1993, he released 12 studio albums spanning the genres of pop and rock, and in 2001 released a one-off studio album of classical compositions. With over 160 million records sold worldwide, Joel is one of the world's best-selling music artists and is the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States. His 1985 compilation album, Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, is one of the best-selling albums in the U.S.

Source: Wikipedia · AI-summarized

Timeline

The story of Billy Joel, told in moments.

1973 Event

Releases Piano Man, the song and the album. He wrote it about the regulars at the Executive Room bar in Los Angeles where he played under the name Bill Martin for six months. The harmonica intro is now one of the most recognized in pop music.

Playing as 'Bill Martin' in a bar for six months. Were you hiding or studying? Did Piano Man write itself, or did you agonize over it?

1977 Event

The Stranger comes out. Phil Ramone produces. It sells over 10 million copies and includes "Just the Way You Are," "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," and "She's Always a Woman." Five of nine tracks become singles.

Five of nine tracks became singles. Did you know The Stranger was special? Did Phil Ramone teach you something about yourself?

1985 Event

Joins 45 other artists to record "We Are the World" at A&M Studios in Hollywood. Quincy Jones put a sign on the door: "Check your egos at the door."

'Check your egos at the door.' Did anyone actually do that? Were you comfortable in a room with forty-five other artists?

2014 Event

Begins a residency at Madison Square Garden, playing once a month with no end date. He's the first artist to hold such an arrangement at MSG. By 2024, he's passed 100 shows there.

A residency at MSG with no end date. Is that comfort or compulsion? Over 100 shows at the Garden. Does the stage still surprise you?

In Their Own Words (20)

And in truth, of course, I'm not just 60 - I'm twelve, I'm 23, I'm 37, I'm 42, I'm 18. I'm every age I've ever been. Depending on what day of the week it is and what the situation calls for at the moment.

Without the Nazis, there wouldn't have been Billy Joel – Die Welt (10 May 2009), 2009

Now we are forced to recognize our inhumanityOur reason coexists with our insanityAnd though we choose between reality and madnessIt's either sadness or euphoria.

Summer, Highland Falls., 1976

So many faces in and out of my lifeSome will lastSome will be just now and then.Life is a series of hellos and goodbyesI'm afraid it's time for goodbye again.Say goodbye to HollywoodSay goodbye my babySay goodbye to HollywoodSay goodbye my baby.

Say Goodbye to Hollywood., 1976

So before we end and then beginWe'll drink a toast to how it's beenA few more hours to be completeA few more nights on satin sheetsA few more times that I can sayI've loved these days.

I've Loved These Days., 1976

Seen the lights go out BroadwayI saw the Empire State laid lowAnd life went on beyond the PalisadesThey all bought CadillacsAnd left there long ago.

Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)., 1976