The legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel celebrates 75 today
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Joel released a string of hit albums and singles, including “The Stranger,” “52nd Street,” and “An Innocent Man.”
The legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel celebrates 75 today
The legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel, born on May 9, 1949, in the Bronx, New York, has a career that spans over five decades. Known for his catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and versatile musical style, Joel’s first contact with music began at a young age when he started playing piano at the age of four. He honed his skills throughout his childhood and adolescence, eventually forming his first band, The Echoes, while still in high school. After graduating, Joel pursued a career in music full-time, playing in various bands and honing his songwriting craft.
In 1971, Joel released his debut album, “Cold Spring Harbor,” which garnered some attention but failed to make a significant impact. It wasn’t until his breakthrough album, “Piano Man,” released in 1973, that Joel achieved widespread success. The album’s title track, “Piano Man,” became Joel’s signature song and established him as a major force in the music industry.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Joel released a string of hit albums and singles, including “The Stranger,” “52nd Street,” and “An Innocent Man.” His songwriting prowess and knack for crafting memorable melodies earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. In addition to his success as a recording artist, Joel is also known for his dynamic live performances. His concerts are legendary for their energy, passion, and crowd-pleasing repertoire, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest live performers of his generation.
While Joel’s output has slowed in recent years, he continues to perform occasionally and remains a beloved figure in the music industry. In 2019, he embarked on a stadium tour, performing to sold-out crowds across the United States. Additionally, Joel has expressed interest in recording new music, and on January 22, 2024, he announced his first new pop single in years (and only his second pop song in more than two decades), titled “Turn the Lights Back On”, which released on February 1.
As one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Billy Joel’s influence on popular music is undeniable. With his timeless hits and unparalleled talent, he has secured his place in music history as a true icon of the industry. Across the years of his solo career, Joel produced 33 self-written Top 40 hits in the U.S.,three of which (“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me”, “Tell Her About It”, and “We Didn’t Start the Fire”) topped the Billboard Hot 100. Joel has been nominated for 23 Grammy Awards, winning 6 of them, including Album of the Year for 52nd Street. Joel was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1992), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1999), and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame (2006). In 2001, Joel received the Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2013, Joel received the Kennedy Center Honors for influencing American culture through the arts.
Watch the music video “Piano Man” one of the most memorable Billy Joel’s songs
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