Billy Joel is one of the most popular and beloved singer-songwriters in music history. With a career spanning over 50 years, Joel has become a cultural icon and household name. But what exactly is Billy Joel most famous for? Here is an in-depth look at the life, music and legacy of the “Piano Man”.
Billy Joel’s Musical Journey
Early Life and Influences
Billy Joel was born in 1949 in the Bronx, New York to a Jewish family. He grew up surrounded by music, taking classical piano lessons from an early age. Some of Joel’s biggest musical influences were The Beatles, Ray Charles, Carole King and Elvis Presley. As a teenager in the 1960s, Joel joined his first band and began playing shows around New York City.
Breakthrough Albums in the 1970s
Joel’s solo career took off with the release of his first studio album Cold Spring Harbor in 1971. While it wasn’t a mainstream success, the album demonstrated Joel’s skills as a pianist, singer and songwriter. His big break came with the release of The Stranger in 1977, which featured the hit singles “Just the Way You Are”, “Movin’ Out” and “Only the Good Die Young”. The album won two Grammy Awards and sold over 10 million copies.
Other hugely successful albums followed in the late 1970s including 52nd Street, Glass Houses and Songs in the Attic. Joel’s authentic lyrics about blue-collar life and melodic piano ballads struck a chord with audiences worldwide. By the end of the decade, he had become one of the biggest selling music artists in the world.
Iconic Songs and Record-Breaking Concerts
Some of Billy Joel’s most iconic and famous songs include “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “My Life,” “The Longest Time,” and “River of Dreams.” Released in 1973, “Piano Man” became Joel’s first major hit single and signature song. “Uptown Girl” was a worldwide chart-topper in 1983.
Other major hits like “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” showcased Joel’s talents as a rock and pop songwriter. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he continued releasing best-selling albums and singles while also breaking records for concert ticket sales. His shows at Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium set new benchmarks for rock and pop concert attendance.
Important Achievements and Accolades
Billy Joel has achieved great success and recognition over his long career:
- 33 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
- 6 Grammy Award wins and 23 nominations
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1992)
- Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1999)
- Received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song (2014)
- Awarded the Kennedy Center Honors (2013)
- Diamond and multi-platinum certifications for album sales
- “Piano Man” selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry (2019)
Some of his many accolades demonstrate the breadth of his popularity and influence as both a songwriter and performer. From the Grammys to the Kennedy Center Honors, Joel is considered one of America’s greatest musical treasures.
Memorable Cultural Impact
Billy Joel has made an indelible mark on pop culture over the years:
Signature Sound
- Joel’s piano melodies and lyrical ballads have become ingrained in American music culture. Songs like “Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are” and “Uptown Girl” are still widely known and loved today.
Storytelling Lyrics
- He is praised for his honest, everyman lyrics about real life and relationships. Songs like “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and “Allentown” paint vivid stories of working class struggle and nostalgia.
Keeper of History
- “We Didn’t Start the Fire” memorably encapsulates and commemorates post-World War II American history in rapid-fire lyrics.
New York Pride
- Joel’s songs showcase his pride in his New York roots and depict life in the big city (“Movin’ Out”, “New York State of Mind”).
Stadium Superstardom
- His record-breaking stadium shows established him as one of the biggest concert draws of all time.
Piano Prince
- Nicknamed the “Piano Man,” Joel reignited passion for piano-driven rock music and remains one of the world’s best-selling piano rock artists.
Even today, themes and melodies from Billy Joel’s extensive catalog are instantly recognizable to the public. He is ingrained in American culture as both a timeless pop music legend and storyteller of the everyday person.
Some Facts About Billy Joel’s Career
- First No. 1 album: The Stranger (1977)
- Total US album sales: Over 150 million
- Most consecutive shows at Madison Square Garden: Residency from 2014-2020 with over 60 consecutive monthly shows
- Biggest tour: “Billy Joel in Concert” in 1987 with the Soviet Union, one of the first American rock concerts held in the USSR
- Largest concert audience: Over 110,000 at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia (2008)
- Longest running rock radio hit: “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” spent 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard rock charts (1981)
- Firstsolo Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee: Inducted in 1999
- Number of Grammy Award wins: 6
- Number of Top 10 albums on Billboard 200: 13
- Number of singles on the Billboard Hot 100: 57 (33 Top 40 hits, 26 Top 10 hits)
- Years performed residency shows at Madison Square Garden: 2014-2020
- Lifetime album sales to date: Over 150 million worldwide
These key stats demonstrate the immense success Joel has achieved statistically in record sales, concert attendance, radio airplay, and more over his 50+ year career. He’s amassed one of the most impressive resumes in pop music history.
Joel’s Styles, Sounds and Evolution
Musical Diversity
While known for piano ballads, Joel has explored a wide range of musical styles over the decades:
- Rock n’ roll tunes like “You May Be Right,” “It’s Still Rock n Roll to Me”
- Jazz influences on albums like An Innocent Man
- Doo-wop and acapella on “The Longest Time”
- Classical compositions like “Waltz No. 1 (Nunley’s Carousel)”
- Harder edged songs like “Pressure” and “A Matter of Trust”
- Smooth R&B/soul on “Just the Way You Are” and “Honesty”
- Pop perfection on huge hits like “Uptown Girl” and “Tell Her About It”
This versatility is part of what has made his songbook so universally appealing.
Evolution as a Songwriter
As Joel evolved from his early pop-folk beginnings to rock superstardom, so did his songwriting:
- His early songs were focused on melancholic personal tales and character sketches (“Piano Man,” “Captain Jack”)
- In the late 70s he began writing more expansive songs about relationships and dreams of escaping small towns (“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” “Movin’ Out”)
- The 80s saw Joel penning more cinematic songs with a polished pop sensibility (“Uptown Girl,” “Allentown”)
- Later works showcased increased maturity and nuance (“River of Dreams,” “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)”)
Joel has credited his progression as a songwriter to “opening himself up more” over time and allowing room for broader storytelling.
His Continued Popularity Over Time
Despite his iconic status in the 70s/80s, Joel has remained hugely popular over time:
- His songs appeal across generations due to their timeless, relatable qualities
- Millennials and Gen Z audiences continue discovering his catalog through streaming
- His lyrics/themes about chasing dreams and struggling to survive still resonate today
- Sing-along friendly hits like “Piano Man” remain staples of radio, movies, shows, karaoke, etc.
- His longevity as a touring act attracts both older and younger crowds
Joel’s music has proven itself as a cultural institution that remains relevant, meaningful and enjoyable to this day.
His Lasting Legacy
There’s no question that Billy Joel has become one of the most celebrated and beloved figures in American pop music history. Here’s a look at some of his lasting legacies:
As a Pop Music Icon
- With his catalog of classic songs, Joel has reached an echelon of superstardom few artists achieve. Hits like “Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl” are pop culture staples.
Bringing Rock n’ Roll Back to Piano Roots
- His skilled piano playing made the instrument cool again in rock music and paved the way for other piano-playing rockers.
Storyteller of Working Class Life
- Songs like “Allentown” and “The Downeaster ‘Alexa'” shone a spotlight on blue collar struggles and the fading American Dream.
The Quintessential New York Artist
- Joel’s pride in his home state resonates. He’s considered one of the great contemporary musical voices of New York.
Record-Breaking Live Performer
- His decades of sold-out stadium shows and Madison Square Garden residency demonstrated his powerful abilities as a stage entertainer.
A Voice of Multiple Generations
-Connecting with audiences ranging from Baby Boomers to Millennials, Joel’s music transcends eras.
Cultural Commentator
- Songs like “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Allentown” took a thoughtful look at 20th century American history and society.
Billy Joel’s career accomplishments, memorable songs, indelible lyrics and continuing legacy place him among the most important and cherished American singer-songwriters of all time. He remains a musical icon whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
Top 10 Billy Joel Songs
- Piano Man (1973)
- Just the Way You Are (1977)
- Uptown Girl (1983)
- We Didn’t Start the Fire (1989)
- Only the Good Die Young (1977)
- It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me (1980)
- The Longest Time (1984)
- Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) (1977)
- Scenes from an Italian Restaurant (1976)
- New York State of Mind (1976)
Conclusion
Billy Joel’s remarkable career has made him a legendary figure in American pop music. As a singer, songwriter, pianist and live performer, Joel’s talents have engrained him into culture as both a lovable pop icon and acute storyteller for the common person. With his vast catalog of piano-driven rock hits, honest lyrics and continued popularity across generations, Joel has become a treasured national treasure.
His concerts remain unforgettable sing-along experiences that bond audiences young and old. Above all, the “Piano Man” is famous for connecting with millions of listeners through catchy, melancholy and profound songs that will live on forever. He has more than earned his place as one of the great American songwriters and artists of the 20th century.
FAQs about Billy Joel’s Fame and Career
What was Billy Joel’s first hit song?
Billy Joel scored his first major hit with “Piano Man” in 1973. The memorable tune about barroom singalongs became Joel’s signature song and helped launch his solo career.
How many albums has Billy Joel sold worldwide?
To date, Billy Joel has sold over 150 million albums globally. He is one of the highest selling solo artists in history.
What famous musicians has Billy Joel collaborated with?
Some of Joel’s famous musical collaborators include Ray Charles, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson and Tony Bennett. He even toured with Elton John in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Why is Billy Joel so popular in New York?
As a native New Yorker, Joel’s pride in his home state shines through in songs like “New York State of Mind.” His lyrics depict life in NYC so vividly that he’s considered one of the quintessential New York singers. His residency at Madison Square Garden further cemented his status as a Big Apple icon.
What are some of Billy Joel’s biggest influences as a musician?
Joel counts The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Carole King and Ray Charles among his biggest influences. Classical composers like Chopin also inspired his piano playing and songwriting.