May 9
Birth
William Martin Joel is born in the Bronx, New York City.
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Debut Album
Releases his first solo album, "Cold Spring Harbor," which suffers from a mastering error.
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Breakthrough
Releases "Piano Man," his breakthrough album, featuring his signature song.
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The Stranger Success
Releases "The Stranger," achieving critical and commercial acclaim.
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Grammy Wins
Wins Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Just the Way You Are."
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Rock Album
Releases "Glass Houses", a rock album winning a grammy for best rock performance
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Soviet Union Concert
Performs a historic concert in the Soviet Union.
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Last Pop Album
Releases "River of Dreams", his last studio album of original pop songs.
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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Kennedy Center Honors
Receives Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievement.