Podcast Summary: All Of It – New Doc About Piano Man Billy Joel

Podcast: All Of It (WNYC)
Host: Alison Stewart
Air Date: August 21, 2025
Episode Theme: A deep dive into the HBO documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" with director Susan Lacey, exploring the life, creative process, and enduring legacy of Billy Joel.

Overview

This episode unpacks the making of the HBO documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" with director Susan Lacey. Through a candid conversation, Lacey reveals insights into Joel's life, artistry, and personal battles, highlighting how intimately his music reflects his real experiences. The episode also features commentary from WNYC producer Jordan Loff, who comes to appreciate Joel's work after researching the documentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Producer’s Change of Heart

• (00:32) Jordan Loff admits she was never a fan of Billy Joel but assigned herself to prep this episode out of curiosity.
• She ultimately shifts her perspective, crediting the documentary for helping her “appreciate how much director Susan Lacey drew the line between what was happening in his life and the music.”
  • Quote: “I have a completely new appreciation for his catalog...how much they're drawn from his own life and loves and losses.” — Jordan Loff (01:03)

2. The Director’s Approach & Discoveries

• (01:58) Susan Lacey describes her personal journey: she knew Joel’s hits but not the deep cuts.
  • Quote: “His lyrics spell out what was happening in his life, his loves, his loss, his betrayals, his struggles with alcohol, his financial woes. It is literally all documented in the lyrics of his songs.” — Susan Lacey (02:27)
• Lacey was surprised by Joel’s classical background and the range of his musical influences (classical, Broadway, jazz, Tin Pan Alley, rock and roll).

3. Filming Joel at the Piano

• (03:45) Lacey insisted on interviewing Joel entirely at the piano for authenticity and insight.
  • Quote: “I really wanted to explore his craft...the best way to do that was for him to be at a piano all the time, because he could [demonstrate].” — Susan Lacey (03:50)
• Joel would play and illustrate influences on the spot, making the interviews dynamic and revealing.
• “He’s not comfortable until he’s actually at a piano.” — Susan Lacey (03:59)

4. Joel’s Early Years & The Long Island Band Scene

• (04:36) Lacey recounts the legendary but under-documented Long Island club scene and Joel’s formative band years (notably with The Hassles).
• Closeness to his bands provided Joel with belonging as a child of divorce in 1950s Levittown.

5. Elizabeth Weber’s Role

• (07:04) Alison Stewart praises the documentary’s nuanced portrayal of Joel’s first wife and manager.
• Lacey details Weber’s impact: as muse, manager, and the architect of his career breakthrough.
  • Quote: “Her role is incalculable. She knew that he was something...she guided that.” — Susan Lacey (08:27)
• Weber’s business savvy included hands-on album promotion and recognizing opportunities, like inviting famed producer Phil Ramone.

6. Joel’s Loyalty to His Band

• (09:44) The documentary covers Joel’s insistence on keeping his original band despite advice from major producers, a testament to his loyalty and collaborative spirit.

7. Personal Struggles & Honesty

• (11:51) The film openly addresses Joel’s mental health struggles, suicide attempts, and addiction.
• Lacey worked with full creative independence; Joel’s only request was honesty:
  • Quote: “[He said] Tell the truth. That’s all I ask. Tell the truth, Susan.” — Susan Lacey (12:26)
• Joel did not see the film until it was finished. After viewing, he expressed gratitude to Lacey for helping him understand his own history:
  • Quote: “Thank you for so masterfully connecting the dots of my life. I now know what I did and why I did it.” — Susan Lacey quoting Billy Joel (13:38)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Jordan Loff’s Admission:
  “I thought this was a great documentary. I have a completely new appreciation for his catalog...” (01:03)
• On Joel's Autobiographical Lyrics:
  “It’s a rip from the page, you know, of his life...” — Susan Lacey (02:14)
• On Filming At The Piano:
  “He’s not comfortable until he’s actually at a piano.” — Susan Lacey (03:59)
• On Elizabeth Weber’s Influence:
  “Her role is incalculable...she guided that.” — Susan Lacey (08:27)
• On Joel’s Honesty:
  “Tell the truth. That’s all I ask.” — Billy Joel (12:26, via Susan Lacey)
• After Watching the Film:
  “Thank you for so masterfully connecting the dots of my life...” — Billy Joel (13:38, via Susan Lacey)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 00:32 | Jordan Loff’s Billy Joel confession | | 01:58 | Susan Lacey on the motivation and discoveries | | 03:45 | Interviewing Joel exclusively at the piano | | 04:36 | Long Island band scene / Joel’s early years | | 07:04 | Elizabeth Weber’s impact and story | | 09:44 | Joel’s loyalty to his original band | | 11:51 | The documentary’s treatment of Joel’s mental health | | 12:26 | Joel’s request for complete honesty | | 13:38 | Joel’s reaction after seeing the film |

Conclusion

This episode offers an in-depth look into the artistic and personal journey of Billy Joel, as explored in Susan Lacey's documentary. With frank discussions about hardship, love, loyalty, and musical craft, listeners gain a new understanding of Joel—the man and the musician—through the eyes of both a previously skeptical producer and a world-class biographical filmmaker. The documentary, and this conversation, reveal how closely Joel’s life and music are intertwined, humanizing a legendary performer for new fans and lifelong devotees alike.

(Stream the film "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" now on HBO Max.)