Billy Joel - The Piano Man
Childhood & Early Inspiration William Martin Joel was born in the Bronx on May 9, 1949. His father Howard was an accomplished classically trained pianist, while his mother Rosalind was an admirer of pop music stars. Introduced to the piano at age 4, young Billy took quickly to his father's intense classical training regimen while also soaking in his mother’s pop tastes from stars like Ray Charles and The Beatles.
Billy's parents split when he was just shy of his teen years, profoundly impacting the shy boy. He channeled feelings of sadness and anger into piano playing. By age 16, his musical tastes had evolved into blues, soul and rock, with masters like Paul McCartney and John Lennon as heroes. In supporting himself, Joel took up boxing for a short period under the name Billy Martin. He continued nurturing his piano skills by performing at local events and bars.
Early Career & Struggles Quitting high school to pursue a career in music full-time, Joel joined various pop groups through the mid-1960s. In 1970 at just 20 years old, he signed his first solo record deal with Family Productions, releasing his debut Cold Spring Harbor the next year.
The terms of the Family Productions deal swindled Joel out of royalties, as the album was mastered incorrectly to play at too high a speed. Devastated and embarrassed by the results, Joel fled to Los Angeles where he began playing piano bars under the pseudonym Bill Martin to make ends meet. After 6 months out west, Joel returned to New York with a newfound appreciation for songwriting craftsmanship while performing live.
Breakthrough Success Joel's fortunes changed in 1972 when Columbia Records signed him after seeing a local club performance. His 1973 album Piano Man, captured Joel’s tales of struggle and characters encountered during his Los Angeles piano bar stint. The heartfelt title track became his first major hit single, earning Joel national television appearances and widespread fame at last.
Over his next albums Streetlife Serenade and Turnstiles, Joel honed his fusion of pop, rock, blues and Tin Pan Alley into a signature sound while continuing to draw influence from his personal life. Songs like "The Entertainer" and "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" cemented his reputation as an insightful chronicler of the triumphs and pitfalls chasing artistic dreams. Superstardom Joel’s 1977 album The Stranger launched him into iconic stardom on the wings of hits “Just the Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out” and “Only the Good Die Young.” It garnered him the first two of six career Grammy awards. He quickly followed up with 52nd Street in 1978, containing chart-toppers “My Life,” “Big Shot,” and “Honesty.”
By the end of the decade, Joel ranked as one of the highest-selling music artists in America. He captivated audiences with marathon concerts showcasing his impeccable piano playing and voice. Joel also began collaborating with other supe...