Billy Joel, born on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York, is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Often referred to as the “Piano Man” after his signature 1973 song, Joel has enjoyed a prolific career spanning over five decades. With more than 160 million records sold worldwide, he ranks among the best-selling music artists globally.
Career Highlights:
- Early Career: Joel began his musical journey in the late 1960s, initially playing with bands like The Hassles and Attila. He launched his solo career with the album Cold Spring Harbor in 1971.
- Breakthrough Success: His 1973 album Piano Man featured the hit title track, propelling him into the national spotlight. Subsequent albums like The Stranger (1977) and 52nd Street (1978) solidified his status, producing classics such as “Just the Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” and “My Life.”
- Continued Achievements: Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Joel released successful albums like An Innocent Man (1983) and River of Dreams (1993). Notably, he concluded his Madison Square Garden residency in July 2024 after an impressive 104 performances.
Recent Developments:
In early 2025, Joel released a new single titled “Turn the Lights Back On,” marking his return to pop music after several years. However, he recently postponed his “Billy Joel in Concert” tour for four months due to a medical condition that required surgery and subsequent physical therapy. The tour is expected to resume on July 5, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
For the latest updates and more information, you can visit Billy Joel’s official website.