When Billy Joel was born in New York in 1949, it would have been difficult to predict the magnitude of his sustained worldwide success and that he would still be selling out stadium tours in his 70s.
Early Life
Billy Joel, born William Martin Joel, came from a family full of musical talent and began taking piano lessons at a very young age. This childhood pastime would quickly evolve into a job in a piano bar to support his family, which became the inspiration for his hit song and nickname, ‘Piano Man’. Joel did not graduate from high school, instead choosing to focus on his musical career.
Initially, Joel began his professional career by performing in various bands and supporting other musicians on the piano. In the early 1970s, Joel shifted to focus on his solo career which quickly propelled him into the spotlight.
Album Releases
Joel has released twelve studio albums across his career with multiple reaching number one in the Billboard charts. In them, he has explored several different genres and themes. His first and second albums, Cold Spring Harbor and Piano Man highlighted his skills both as a pianist and a singer-songwriter. It was, however, Joel’s fifth album, The Stranger, which became his commercial breakthrough, featuring some of his all-time most popular songs ‘Vienna’ and ‘Only The Good Die Young’. The Stranger also featured the song ‘Just The Way You Are’, which won Joel his first Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
One of the standout characteristics of Joel’s discography is the diverse range of styles he has dabbled in and the variation between the albums he has produced. 52nd Street has more of a jazz influence on Joel’s classic ballads, while Glass Houses saw the singer performing with a more ‘heavy rock’ style. With Glass Houses, Billy Joel collected more awards, including yet another Grammy Award, and saw him host a series of sold-out performances at Madison Square Gardens.
Joel’s ninth album An Innocent Man drew on inspiration from R&B and covered some more lighthearted themes than his previous few records. The album features one of his all-time most popular songs, ‘Uptown Girl’, which became a worldwide sensation almost immediately.
In 1993, the pianist released his final studio album, River of Dreams and included the hit ‘Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)’, which was written for his daughter, Alexa. After this final album release, Joel has resisted numerous requests to work with other artists or release more of his own music after it was “driving [him] crazy” to not be as good as he wanted anymore.
Since then, Joel has released a few singles over the last 20 years but has instead focused on performing. Most recently, he released the single ‘Turn The Lights Back On’ in February 2024, which can be interpreted as a song about a man reconnecting with his passion after many years.
Live Performances
Billy Joel is renowned for his captivating performances and infectious energy onstage. Unlike many artists who rely on studio production, Joel thrives in a live setting and on the stage is where his real passion for music shines through. His concerts are famed for their length, often extending past three hours.
Due to the length and legendary status of his career, Joel has played several iconic gigs, including several relief fundraiser performances, welcoming in the new Millennium, and even a show in the Soviet Union. Joel also held a record-breaking ten-year residency at Madison Square Gardens, where he sold out countless shows and recently celebrated his 150th and final show at the venue.
Current Performances and Impact
Despite announcing his retirement from touring in 1993, Billy Joel returned to the stage in the late 1990s. He continues to perform to this day, proving his enduring popularity by selling out enormous venues after five decades of his career. The artist has recently announced a series of performances throughout the Summer of 2025, including in Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, and Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, which are his first performances in either city for over 40 years.
Billy Joel’s impact on music is undeniable. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He is a member of the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to his legacy.
From his humble beginnings in a New York piano bar to sold-out stadium tours, Billy Joel’s career highlights his unique dedication, talent, and ability to connect with audiences across generations. His music continues to inspire joy and provide a soundtrack for countless lives.
Words by Ella Gilbert
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