Billy Joel

Billy Joel, born William Martin Joel on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York, is an iconic American singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in pop and rock music history. Raised in Hicksville, Long Island, Joel was introduced to classical piano at a young age and quickly developed a deep passion for music. Though he briefly attended high school, Joel left before graduating to pursue a full-time career as a musician, later earning his diploma via night school.

Joel’s breakthrough came in 1973 with the release of Piano Man, a semi-autobiographical song that became his signature anthem and earned him widespread recognition. Throughout the 1970s and ’80s, Joel produced a string of commercially and critically successful albums, including The Stranger (1977), 52nd Street (1978), and An Innocent Man (1983). His ability to blend rock, pop, jazz, and classical elements, along with his keen lyrical storytelling, solidified his status as a dynamic and relatable artist.

Over the course of his career, Joel has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and received numerous accolades, including six Grammy Awards and the Kennedy Center Honors. His songs, such as “Just the Way You Are,” “Uptown Girl,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “New York State of Mind,” reflect themes of love, working-class identity, and social commentary. Despite his immense popularity, Joel famously stopped recording pop albums after 1993’s River of Dreams, choosing instead to focus on live performance and classical composition.

Beyond his music, Joel is known for his powerful live shows and extended concert residencies, most notably his monthly performances at Madison Square Garden, which began in 2014 and became the longest-running residency in the venue’s history. He remains one of the top-grossing touring artists of all time and continues to attract multigenerational audiences.

Billy Joel’s legacy lies not only in his chart-topping hits but in his deep connection to the American experience. A storyteller at heart and a consummate performer, he has created a catalog of music that captures the hopes, heartaches, and humor of everyday life with authenticity and enduring appeal.