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BILLY JOEL

SINCE HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM:

“COLDSPRING HARBOR” (1971)

“If you make music for the human needs you have within yourself, then you do it for all humans who need the same things. You enrich humanity with the profound expression of these feelings.” Billy Joel

“I have a theory that the only original things we ever do are mistakes.” (1971)

CALIFORNIA 1972

Here Joel adopts the name Bill Martin and starts a short-lived career as a lounge act.

The Executive Lounge

The place where Billy got his inspiration for his well known song ”Piano Man”(1972).

COLUMBIA RECORDS

In 1973, Billy signs with Columbia Records after Family Productions agreed to let him out of his contract.

“Piano Man” is released in 1973 and enters the “Billboard” singles chart.

1973

Also, during 1973, Billy Joel married his girlfriend and manager Elizabeth Weber.

Billy Joel hits #34 on the “Billboard” singles chart with the “Entertainer” in 1975.

SAY GOODBYE TO

This song celebrates Joel leaving California and is a tribute to the sound of Phil Spector and the Ronnettes (1976).

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND (1976)

“I am no longer afraid of becoming lost, because the journey back always reveals something new, and that is ultimately good for the artist.”

Success from the Turnstiles’ album (released in 1976) led to Joel’s first major concert tour, which opened in NYC.

Released in 1977, “The Stranger,” becomes Billy’s first MEGAHIT and in 1978, won him his first two Grammy’s.

The first Billy Joel album to reach #1 on the album charts and won him two MORE Grammy’s.

RELEASED IN 1978

“Glass Houses” (released in 1980) is his second #1 album and brings him another Grammy, as well as People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Male Pop Performer.”

This album contains live concert performances which gets released in 1981 and becomes Billy’s 4th consecutive top 10 album.

This album, released in 1982, reaches #7 on the “Billboard” chart and is nominated for a Grammy as “Album of the Year.”

In 1983, “An Innocent Man” album is released and is a huge success, featuring his “Uptown Girl,” Christie Brinkley, in a video for the album.

In 1985, after divorcing his wife Elizabeth, Joel marries model Christie Brinkley and their daughter Alexa Ray is born.

This album is released in 1986 and features the song “Baby Grand,” a duet with Ray Charles, one of Billy’s role models.

In the summer of 1987, Billy Joel becomes the FIRST U.S. POP STAR to bring a fully-staged rock production to the Soviet Union. (Kohuept means “In Concert”); this live double-album records the trip.

In 1988, Billy voices the character Dodger and provides the song “Why Should I Worry” for the sound track of “Oliver and Company.”

“Storm Front” is released in 1989; both the album and single “We Didn’t Start the Fire” reach #1 spots simultaneously on the “Billboard” album and singles charts.

YANKEE STADIUM

In 1990, Billy becomes the first rock act to perform a concert at Yankee Stadium.

Fairfield University awards Billy an honorary doctorate in 1991; he would go on to receive several more.

Released in 1993, the “River of Dreams: album debuts at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart where it stays for 3 weeks.

“Rocket Man Meets Piano Man”

1994: John and Joel team up for the first Face to Face tour, which is a tremendous success.

1994: Billy divorces Christie Brinkley and 10 years later, marries Katie Lee.

In 1999, Billy is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Billy’s work as a classical composer is released as “Fantasies and Delusions” in 2001.

A song that would later become a Tony Award Winning Broadway show (2003).

Billy Joel’s twelve sellouts at Madison Square Garden are acknowledged in 2006.

In 2007, Billy becomes the 1st artist to sing the National Anthem before two Super Bowls.

“I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.” Billy Joel THE PIANO MAN