 |
Billy JoelAmerican rock singer
Date of Birth: 09.05.1949
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Billy Joel: A Living Legend of Pop and Rock
- Teenage Years and Early Career
- The Hassles and Beyond
- Breakthrough with "Piano Man"
- Collaborations and Success
- "The Stranger" and Grammys
- "52nd Street" and International Acclaim
- "Glass Houses" and Global Impact
- "Nylon Curtain" and Introspective Themes
- "An Innocent Man" and Homage to Classics
- Chart-toppers and Soviet Triumph
- Collaborations and Accolades
- Film Soundtracks and "River of Dreams"
- Personal Stride and New Ventures
- Millennium Concert and Career Highlights
- Recent Years and Legacy
Billy Joel: A Living Legend of Pop and Rock
Early Life and InfluencesWilliam Joseph Martin Joel, better known as Billy Joel, was born on May 9, 1949, in the Bronx, New York. His family later moved to Levittown, Long Island, where he developed a lifelong love for classical music at the tender age of four. Billy began taking piano lessons, nurturing his dream of becoming a renowned musician.
Teenage Years and Early Career
At the age of fourteen, Billy Joel joined The Echoes, a band that later evolved into The Lost Souls. However, his parents' separation forced him to temporarily put his musical aspirations on hold to help support his family. Balancing a demanding schedule, he worked nights while continuing his education, graduating high school with honors but unable to pursue higher education.
The Hassles and Beyond
In 1968, Billy became a member of The Hassles, a well-known band on Long Island. He played keyboards on their two albums, "The Hassles" and "The Hour of the Wolf." In 1970, he moved to the metal band Attila with The Hassles' drummer, John Small. Simultaneously, he juggled his music career with factory work, freelance writing, and advertising jingles.
Breakthrough with "Piano Man"
In 1971, Billy Joel landed a solo contract and released his debut album, "Cold Spring Harbor," which failed to make an impact. However, his unauthorized live recording of "Captain Jack" gained radio airplay, forcing him to relocate to the West Coast. Performing under the name Billy Martin, he eventually penned the autobiographical "Piano Man," which became his first major hit.
Collaborations and Success
Soon after, Billy Joel signed with Columbia Records. With producer Michael Stewart, he recorded "Piano Man" (1973), featuring the title track that propelled him into the American top twenty. The follow-up, "Streetlife Serenade" (1974), brought him his first awards and critical acclaim. Sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall catapulted him to new heights of popularity.
"The Stranger" and Grammys
Returning to New York in 1975, Billy Joel formed a new group for his album "The Turnstiles," which was met with moderate success. His breakthrough came with his fifth studio album, "The Stranger" (1977). Its massive success led to over 50 sold-out concerts in three months and earned him his first Grammy Awards: Album of the Year for the title track and Song of the Year for "Just the Way You Are."
"52nd Street" and International Acclaim
Billy Joel's next album, "52nd Street" (1978), became his first to top the American album chart. He embarked on a world tour, including a historical performance in communist Cuba. By October, "52nd Street" had sold over nine million copies, solidifying his status as a Columbia Records best-seller. The album garnered him two more Grammys: Album of the Year and Best Pop Male Vocal Performance.
"Glass Houses" and Global Impact
Continuing his momentum, Billy Joel released "Glass Houses" in 1980. It remained at the top of the Billboard chart for six weeks and featured his first number-one single, "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me." The album added another Grammy to his collection, this time for Best Rock Vocal Performance. On the heels of this success, he released the acclaimed live album "Songs in the Attic" (1981).
"Nylon Curtain" and Introspective Themes
Despite suffering a serious car accident before its recording, Billy Joel completed "Nylon Curtain" (1982). The album reflected his personal reflections on the Vietnam War and the rock-and-roll era. Its standout track, "Pressure," captured his sincere emotions and earned him a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
"An Innocent Man" and Homage to Classics
After a tour, Joel returned home and recorded "An Innocent Man" (1983) as a tribute to the music of his childhood. Its top hits included "Uptown Girl," dedicated to his future wife, supermodel Christie Brinkley. The album reached number four on the Billboard chart and received Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance ("Uptown Girl").
Chart-toppers and Soviet Triumph
In 1986, Billy Joel released "The Bridge," featuring collaborations with Ray Charles, Steve Winwood, and Cyndi Lauper. The following year, he became the first American pop and rock star to perform in the Soviet Union, captivating millions of viewers. His live performances were released as a two-album set titled "Kontsert" (1987).
Collaborations and Accolades
After a brief break, Billy Joel returned to the stage in 1989 with "Storm Front." This album also featured Mick Jones of Foreigner as a producer. Its lead single, "We Didn't Start the Fire," topped the American charts and garnered Grammy nominations. The subsequent tour spanned over a year, reaching over four million fans worldwide. Joel even took a brief hiatus to receive a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
Film Soundtracks and "River of Dreams"
In 1992, Billy Joel contributed to the soundtracks of "Honeymoon in Las Vegas" and "A League of Their Own," showcasing his versatility. Two years later, he released "River of Dreams," which debuted at number one on the American chart and stayed there for three weeks. The album garnered further Grammy nominations.
Personal Stride and New Ventures
Following a divorce from Christie Brinkley in 1994, Billy Joel embarked on a new path. He spent 1996 giving lectures at universities and launched Long Island Boat Company with his friend Peter Needham. In 1999, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his legendary status.
Millennium Concert and Career Highlights
As the new millennium dawned, Billy Joel celebrated with a concert at Madison Square Garden, released as "Billy Joel, 2000 Years - The Millenium Concert in March, 2000." In 2001, he toured with Elton John and released "Fantasies and Delusions," a piano-based album paying homage to his musical roots, alongside "The Essential Billy Joel," a 36-track compilation of his greatest hits.
Recent Years and Legacy
In recent years, Billy Joel's focus on music has waned. However, he continues to perform sporadically and participate in charity events. Notably, he co-composed the orchestrations for the Broadway musical "Moving Out," earning him a Tony Award. Billy Joel remains a living legend, having achieved extraordinary success and leaving an indelible mark on the world of pop and rock music.
