Billy Joel has sold more than 150 million records, making him one of the most popular recording artists in history. We all know the words to his songs, and now this special tribute issue tells the story behind them. LIFE puts you inside the lounge that inspired his breakthrough hit "The Piano Man," introduces the youthful crush behind "Only the Good Die Young," and places you at the St. Bart's resort where BJoel fell in love with his "Uptown Girl," Christie Brinkley. His remarkable journey began in Hicksville, Long Island, and includes platinum records, worldwide tours, his ongoing residency at Madison Square Garden, and a Broadway musical, Movin' Out. Joel's music has entertained audiences across generations with hit songs ranging from "Just the Way You Are" and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" to "We Didn't Start the Fire," and this keepsake issue is the perfect celebration of the music that has been loved by millions.
LIFE: Billy Joel
Just the Way He Is • Billy Joel’s particular genius has been to write and deliver melodic songs with relatable story lines. All these years later, hearing the old hits still feels like coming home.
Starting the Fire • The early life of Billy Joel, in which he grew up surrounded by music and met a girl named Virginia at a church dance, put him on the road to eventual pop stardom, though he made some curious side excursions—Attila, anyone?—along the way.
Billy Joel’s Inspirations and Collaborations
Rise of the Piano Man • At the outset of his career, Billy Joel battled to find an audience for his songs and to record his music in a way that was true to his vision. A return to New York brought him closer to being the artist he knew he could be.
White Hot Spotlight • Billy Joel came into his most artistically rich period as he recorded the albums that would propel him to superstar status and add one classic after another to radio playlists.
The Uptown Life • After his divorce from his first wife, Billy Joel began to seek out rock star experiences and soon was in a relationship with a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model that would not only change his life but give him a new costar for his music videos.
Raising the Curtain • At a time when the Soviet Union was showing new openness to the West, Billy Joel went to Russia for a groundbreaking series of concerts.
Always an Entertainer • Billy Joel stopped recording pop albums, but he kept the music alive with ventures that included stadium tours, college lectures, a classical album, and his very own Broadway show.
New York State of Mind: Billy Joel’s Home Turf
LIFE Bookazines
LIFE: Billy Joel Photo Credits
