Joel, Billy

Billy Joel, born William Martin Joel on May 9, 1949, is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist1. He is often referred to as the “Piano Man” after his hit song of the same name. Joel’s music career spans several decades, and he has been a prominent figure in the pop and rock music scenes since the 1970s.

Joel’s early life was marked by his musical talent, which was evident from a young age. He began taking piano lessons at his mother’s insistence and later dropped out of high school to pursue a music career. After participating in two short-lived bands, The Hassles and Attila, Joel signed a record deal with Family Productions and started off a solo career in 1971 with his first release, “Cold Spring Harbor.”

In 1972, Joel caught the attention of Columbia Records after a live radio performance of the song “Captain Jack” became popular in Philadelphia. This led to a new record deal with Columbia and the release of his second album, “Piano Man,” in 1973. Joel’s critical and commercial breakthrough came with the album “The Stranger” in 1977, which included hit singles like “Just the Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” “Only the Good Die Young,” and “She’s Always a Woman.”

Throughout his career, Joel has released twelve studio albums that span genres of pop and rock music. He has had 33 Top 40 hits and 23 Grammy nominations since signing his first solo recording contract in 1972. In 1990, he was presented with a Grammy Legend Award. Joel was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and received the Johnny Mercer Award in 2001. In 1999, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.


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