Billy Joel
American singer-songwriter and pianist known as the Piano Man.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
William Martin Joel, known as the Piano Man thanks to his 1973 hit of the same name, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who has been a successful solo act since the 1970s. Between 1971 and 1993, he put out twelve studio albums he wrote entirely himself, mixing pop and rock, and later released a one-off classical album in 2001. He has sold over 160 million records globally, making him one of the best-selling music artists ever and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States. His 1985 compilation *Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II* is among the best-selling albums in the country.
Joel was born in the Bronx, New York City, and grew up in the Levittown section of Hicksville on Long Island, where his mother insisted he take piano lessons. He dropped out of high school to pursue music, playing in two short-lived bands—the Hassles and Attila—before signing with Family Productions and releasing his first solo album, *Cold Spring Harbor*, in 1971. In 1972, a live radio performance of "Captain Jack" became popular in Philadelphia, catching the attention of Columbia Records, which led to a new deal and his second album, *Piano Man*, in 1973. After *Streetlife Serenade* (1974) and *Turnstiles* (1976), Joel broke through critically and commercially with *The Stranger* in 1977. That album became Columbia’s best-selling release, moving over 10 million copies and producing hits like "Just the Way You Are," "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)," "Only the Good Die Young," and "She's Always a Woman," plus concert favorites "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" and "Vienna."
His 1978 album *52nd Street* was his first to hit number one on the Billboard 200 and won his only Grammy for Album of the Year. *Glass Houses* (1980) aimed to solidify his rock credentials, featuring his first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," along with "You May Be Right," "Don't Ask Me Why," and "Sometimes a Fantasy." *The Nylon Curtain* (1982) reflected a push for more ambitious lyrics and melodies, while *An Innocent Man* (1983) paid tribute to the rhythm and blues and doo-wop of his youth, yielding well-known songs like "Tell Her About It," "Uptown Girl," and "The Longest Time." He also released *The Bridge* (1986) and *Storm Front* (1989). After *River of Dreams* (1993), Joel largely stopped making studio albums, though he returned with *Fanta
- born
- May 9, 1949
- field
- Music
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Singer, songwriter, pianist; known as the Piano Man; 33 Top 40 hits in the U.S.
Lore & Background
Joel was born in the Bronx, New York City, and grew up in Hicksville on Long Island. He began piano lessons at age four at his mother's insistence. After dropping out of high school in 1967, he played in two short-lived bands, the Hassles and Attila, before signing a solo deal with Family Productions and releasing his debut album Cold Spring Harbor in 1971. His breakthrough came with The Stranger in 1977, which became Columbia Records' best-selling release at the time, selling over 10 million copies. Joel's 52nd Street (1978) was his first album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and won Album of the Year at the 22nd Annual Grammy Awards. He continued releasing successful albums through the 1980s, including Glass Houses, The Nylon Curtain, and An Innocent Man, before largely retiring from studio material after River of Dreams in 1993. He returned to writing new songs with the 2024 single 'Turn the Lights Back On.'
Reader's Guide
Billy Joel's significance lies in his sustained commercial and critical success as a self-contained singer-songwriter during the 1970s and 1980s. His 12 self-written studio albums from 1971 to 1993 produced 33 Top 40 hits in the U.S., including three that topped the Billboard Hot 100: 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me,' 'Tell Her About It,' and 'We Didn't Start the Fire.' His 1985 compilation Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II remains one of the best-selling albums in the U.S. Joel was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006. He received the 2001 Johnny Mercer Award and was recognized at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors. His touring career included being one of the first Western artists to hold a rock tour in the Soviet Union in 1987. Joel's legacy is that of a prolific, commercially dominant artist whose work spans pop, rock, and classical genres.
Did You Know?
- Joel was born in the Bronx, New York City, and grew up in Hicksville on Long Island.
- He dropped out of high school in 1967 but was awarded his diploma in 1992 after submitting essays to the school board.
- Joel's 1985 compilation Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II is one of the best-selling albums in the U.S.
- In 1987, he became one of the first Western artists to hold a rock tour in the Soviet Union.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Billy Joel?
Billy Joel is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who has been a solo act since the early 1970s. He is widely recognized by his nickname "the Piano Man," taken from his 1973 hit single of that name.
What is Billy Joel's real name?
His full birth name is William Martin Joel, and he was born on May 9, 1949. He has performed professionally under the shortened name Billy Joel throughout his entire career.
How many studio albums did Billy Joel release?
Between 1971 and 1993 he recorded twelve studio albums in which he wrote every song himself, blending pop and rock styles. He later added a one-off classical album in 2001, expanding his catalog into a different genre.
How many records has Billy Joel sold?
He has moved over 160 million records worldwide, placing him among the best-selling music artists of all time. In the United States specifically, he ranks as the fourth-best-selling solo artist.
How many Top 40 hits did Billy Joel have in the U.S.?
Over the course of his career he charted thirty-three singles in the U.S. Top 40. His 1985 double compilation, Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, is also one of the best-selling albums in American music history.
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