Billy Joel — biographical portrait
A Documentary Film

Billy Joel

Billy Joel - Overview Full Name William Martin Joel Nicknames The Piano Man Birth Date and Place Born: May 9, 1949 Birthplace: The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA Hometown: Hicksville, Long Island, New York Genres Pop Rock Soft Rock Piano Rock Years Active 1965–present Labels Columbia Records Family Productions Sony...

Scroll
30+
Albums
7
Chapters
Legendary
Status

Chapters

01

Origins

The Beginning

William Martin Joel was born on May 9, 1949, in the Bronx, New York City. His father, Howard Joel, was a classical pianist and businessman, while his mother, Rosalind Nyman Joel (1922–2014), was born in England to an agnostic Jewish family.

02

The Rise

Building a Legacy

Billy Joel - Career & Discography Cold Spring Harbor (1971) Released: November 1, 1971 Label: Family Productions Peak Chart Position: Did not chart (reached #158 on re-release) Notable Tracks: "She's Got a Way," "Tomorrow Is Today" Notes: Debut album with mastering issues that sped up...

03

The Work

Defining Moments

Billy Joel - Major Achievements Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male "Just the Way You Are" Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" Billy Joel: Live from Long Island Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male "We Didn't Start the...

04

The Peak

Greatest Achievements

Billy Joel's musical style represents a unique synthesis of classical piano training, rock and roll energy, and Tin Pan Alley songwriting craftsmanship. Often described as a "piano man" in the tradition of great American popular music entertainers, Joel created a distinctive sound that...

05

The Legacy

Lasting Impact

Elizabeth became Joel's manager and played a significant role in his early career success. She was known for her tough business approach and helped Joel navigate his early recording contracts.

- **Notes:** Debut album with mastering issues that sped up Joel's voice ### Piano Man (1973) - **Released:** November 9, 1973 - **Label:** Columbia Records - **Peak Chart Position:** #27 (US Billboard 200) - **Certification:** 4× Platinum (US) - **Notable Tracks:** -

— Billy Joel - Career & Discography

(#25 US, signature song) -

— Billy Joel - Career & Discography

(FM radio staple) -

— Billy Joel - Career & Discography

- **Notes:** First Columbia album, established Joel's storytelling style ### Streetlife Serenade (1974) - **Released:** October 11, 1974 - **Label:** Columbia - **Peak Chart Position:** #35 (US) - **Certification:** Gold - **Notable Tracks:**

— Billy Joel - Career & Discography

Streetlife Serenader

— **Notes:** Written partially in Los Angeles while working as lounge singer

Innovations

Year Title Role/Impact Type
1949 Full Name Recording Album
1949 Nicknames Recording Album
1949 Birth Date and Place Recording Album
1965 Genres Recording Album
1965 Years Active Recording Album
1973 Signature Characteristics Recording Album
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