He’s one of the most iconic rock stars of all time. Though he was originally a member of another band, he soon transitioned to becoming a solo artist, where his talent flourished. Let’s explore some interesting facts about his life and some of his most popular songs that have become timeless classics!
Personal Life
Billy Joel is known for his ballads filled with amazing piano playing. He was born in the Bronx, New York on May 9th, 1949. His father Howard was a classical pianist, who worked as an accompanist at Juilliard, and had hoped Billy would follow in his footsteps. However, influenced by the popular music of his day, Billy went his own way.
Billy Joel married his wife Christie Brinkley in March of 1985, which was one month after they met! Despite the divorce that ensued within 3 years, many remember them as a power couple at New York’s Studio 54 nightclub. Their daughter Alexa was given the middle name of Ray, after Ray Charles, one of Joel’s musical idols.
Music Career
Joel began playing piano at a very young age and got his musical start in a band called The Echoes. He would continue to play with the group until he was 17 years old when he joined The Hassles as their keyboardist and singer. However, this ended quickly after recording one unsuccessful album.
Eventually, Joel signed on with a band called Attila, but they never released any material. His first album Cold Spring Harbor came out in 1971 with which he kicked off his solo career.
Today, there are many popular songs that he is known for, and we’re going to explore some of our favorites!
Piano Man
This is probably one of the most popular songs by Billy Joel, mostly because it’s an anthem about bars and nightclubs. It has been covered many times over the years by different famous artists, including Tom Odell. If you’re a fan of singing or playing an instrument, you can find Piano Man sheet music online and make your own cover. You’ll learn this song in no time!
Uptown Girl
This song was released in 1983 and is one of Billy Joel’s highest-selling singles. It tells the story of a lower-class guy falling in love with a wealthy girl, which, at the time, seemed somewhat taboo. Uptown girl is still popular today and is frequently played on radio stations. It’s also loved by many for its fun music video, which features the beautiful Christie Brinkley, Joel’s ex-wife!
Just The Way You Are
This 1977 love ballad of sorts is also one of the many songs by Billy Joel that’s extremely popular. Some might even say it’s his most popular song! If you’ve ever had a crush on someone, you probably know how hard it can be to express your feelings. Just The Way You Are is helpful because it teaches us that what makes us different is what makes us beautiful.
We Didn’t Start The Fire
This song, released in 1989 is all about the history of pop culture from 1949 to 1989. The music video even includes a time-lapse showing a famous event, including everything from inventions and political scandals to Henry Miller’s ban of Ulysses and the AIDS epidemic. There’s even a section about Billy Joel himself. There were a total of 118 significant political, cultural, scientific, and sporting events mentioned in this song.
She’s Always A Woman
Billy Joel really knows how to write music that is about women, doesn’t he? She’s Always A Woman came out in 1977 and quickly became one of his trademark songs. It discusses a modern woman and how she will always be a mystery to men. It’s sweet, charming, and perfect for any girl that you know.
Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
Another song by Billy Joel that’s popular with fans is Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song). Released in 1977, this song is about how people always find a way to make ends meet. Billy describes working and lower-middle-class New Yorkers who are proud of working long hours to afford the outward signs of having “made it”. He said that Anthony is not a real person, but rather he represents every Irish, Polish, and Italian kid trying to make it in the US.
New York State Of Mind
This one appeared on the album Turnstiles in 1976 and although it never came out as a single, it’s definitely recognizable by anyone who knows Billy Joel. New York State Of Mind is a piano ballad about living in a city that never sleeps. If you’ve ever lived or visited NYC, you can understand why this song is so well-loved! “New York State Of Mind” has been covered by numerous artists, and some of the most popular artists who sang it include Barbara Streisand, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, and Adam Pascall. Billy mentioned in an interview with Rolling Stone that he wanted Ray Charles to sing it as well.
Awards And Achievements
Billy Joel is in the top 10 best-selling artists ever in the United States, ahead of him are some of the all-stars like the Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Led Zeppelin.
He is one of the most popular singers ever and has won five Grammys, including Album of the Year for 52nd Street and Song of the Year, and Record of the Year for “Just the Way You Are”.
Billy Joel also holds a few honorary doctorates in several fields such as music, arts, and humane letters. These doctorates have been bestowed upon him by several universities, including Southampton College and Berklee College of Music.
In 2004, he was also given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard and is part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame too!
Billy Joel is one of the most iconic rock stars in history and has achieved many awards and achievements. He’s even been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Hollywood Walk of Fame! If you’re looking for a fun, catchy song to listen to on your way home from work, check out Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”. It will help make your commute more enjoyable. We hope this article was interesting to you.