Jokermen Podcast Episode: Teaser // Billy Joel: AN INNOCENT MAN with Molly Lambert Release Date: July 24, 2025

Introduction to Billy Joel's Ethnic Identity

The episode opens with a discussion led by Ian, who reflects on his initial perception of Billy Joel's ethnicity. He admits, “I thought Billy Joel was Italian until I think we were doing girls in hoodies at Grantland and my friend Tess said, he's not Italian if he, you know, he's Jewish” (00:00). This revelation sparks a deeper conversation about the blending of ethnic identities in New York, highlighting Joel's Jewish heritage from Long Island.

Tess reinforces this notion, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity in understanding Joel’s persona: “if he were Italian, it would have been called Scenes from a Restaurant” (00:28). This leads Ian to introspect whether his disdain for Billy Joel is rooted in a form of self-hating Jewishness, a theme Tess provocatively explores by asking, “Is this. Are you a closet anti Semite? Is that what it is?” (00:53).

Political and Cultural Assimilation

Ian delves into the political dimensions of his relationship with Billy Joel, drawing parallels with other Jewish artists like Paul Simon. He muses, “what is it about Paul Simon? ... the type of like assimilated Jewishness that he represents to me is the reason” (00:55). Grant adds a layer by comparing this to older Jews who may harbor animosity towards figures like Bernie Sanders, despite seemingly sharing similar values: “they are exactly, like, he reminds me of myself and of people or their parents” (01:22).

Billy Joel's Personal Struggles and Public Persona

The conversation shifts to Joel's personal life, particularly his tumultuous relationships. Tess points out, “he's been married four times … and he married like a 22-year-old girl. And it just like, that the relationship collapsed almost immediately” (02:27). This leads Ian to characterize Joel as embodying a "non-assimilated" New York Jew, depicting him as “sort of a miserable person, like deep down and sort of like a self-sabotager” (01:26). The discussion underscores how Joel's personal challenges reflect in his music and public image.

Evolution of Billy Joel's Music and Public Perception

Grant reflects on his evolving relationship with Joel's music: “what Ian was getting at was that, you know, his journey with Billy Joel has been one of going from, like, negative to neutral to positive, firmly positive” (02:31). He contrasts his initial admiration with a period of cynicism, especially concerning Joel's later works. However, Grant appreciates Joel's attempt to reinvent himself, stating, “I think that it also suggests that he kind of sort of couldn't do that” (04:05).

Ian praises Joel's authenticity, noting, “he's the intellectuals, rock star thing that a lot of other people do need that kind of validation … he's like a bar rock guy, you know?” (04:08). This sentiment emphasizes Joel's genuine connection with his audience, portraying him as an unpretentious artist who strives to win over crowds without pandering.

Highlighting Key Albums and Songs

The discussion highlights Joel's album "Keeping the Faith," with Tess declaring, “Keeping the faith fucking rocks” (05:39). Ian counters common perceptions, stating, “I was wrong. Child Me was wrong. For the Longest Time is amazing” (05:04), while Grant controversially claims, “I think for the Longest Time is like basic” (05:40). This segment underscores the varied interpretations of Joel's music and its impact on listeners.

Final Thoughts on Billy Joel's Cultural Influence

Towards the end, the hosts explore Joel's upbringing in the Bronx amidst Italian peers and his possible attendance at a Catholic school, which may have influenced his cultural expressions: “He was raised in the Bronx and in the midst of a bunch of Italian kids up there. And I think he even went to Catholic” (06:00). Ian reflects on the fluidity of cultural affiliations in New York, suggesting that Joel represents a "trans Italian" identity shaped by his environment: “There's kind of like a. Like a Jewish culture ... who were not Jewish who just kind of got into it because they were like, that's what's around” (06:08).

Conclusion

This teaser episode of the Jokermen Podcast offers a nuanced exploration of Billy Joel's identity, artistry, and personal struggles. Through candid conversations, Ian, Tess, and Grant dissect the layers of Joel's public persona and musical legacy, providing listeners with thoughtful insights and sparking curiosity for the full episode featuring Molly Lambert.

Note: This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the teaser episode's transcript, presenting a cohesive narrative for those unfamiliar with the original content.