Here at CelebsInfoFeed, we're taking a look back at the journey of this legendary singer, songwriter, and pianist.
Quick Facts: Billy Joel
| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Name | William Martin Joel |
| Nick-name | Piano Man |
| Sex | Male |
| Date Of Birth | May 9, 1949 |
| Age | 75 (as of 2024) |
| Ethnicity | Ashkenazi Jewish (German-Jewish father, English/Scottish mother) |
| Profession / Occupation | Singer-songwriter, Pianist, Composer |
| Mother Tongue | English |
| Religion | Culturally Jewish / Atheist |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Family and Relatives | |
| Father | Howard Joel (born Helmut Joel) (Classical pianist, engineer) |
| Mother | Rosalind Nyman |
| Brothers | Alexander Joel (half-brother, classical conductor) |
| Sisters | Judy Joel (half-sister) |
| Personal Life | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife |
Alexis Roderick (m. 2015) Previously: Katie Lee (m. 2004; div. 2009), Christie Brinkley (m. 1985; div. 1994), Elizabeth Weber Small (m. 1973; div. 1982) |
| Daughters | Alexa Ray Joel (with Christie Brinkley) Della Rose Joel (with Alexis Roderick) Remy Anne Joel (with Alexis Roderick) |
| Sons | None |
| Girlfriend | N/A (Currently Married) |
| Affairs | Not publicly detailed |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height in Centimeters | Approximately 166 cm |
| Height in Meters | Approximately 1.66 m |
| Height in Feet Inches | Approximately 5' 5½" |
| Weight | Approximately 70 kg (154 lbs) - varies |
| Body Measurement | Not Publicly Known |
| Chest Size | Not Publicly Known |
| Waist Size | Not Publicly Known |
| Biceps Size | Not Publicly Known |
| Body Type | Average |
| Eye Color | Hazel / Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (Graying with age) |
| Education School and Colleges | |
| Education Qualification | High School Diploma (received retroactively), Honorary Doctorates |
| School | Hicksville High School, Hicksville, New York (did not graduate with class, diploma awarded later) |
| College | N/A (briefly attended classes, focused on music career) |
| University | Awarded several Honorary Doctorates from institutions like Fairfield University, Syracuse University, Manhattan School of Music, Stony Brook University |
| Career | |
| Debut TV or List till 2024 |
Early TV appearances in the 1970s (e.g., The Mike Douglas Show, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert). Numerous televised concerts and specials over the decades. Performed "Turn the Lights Back On" at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards (2024). |
| Debut Movie List till 2024 |
Oliver & Company (1988) - Voice of Dodger (singing and speaking). Various concert films and documentaries. |
| Awards |
Multiple Grammy Awards (e.g., Record of the Year, Album of the Year for "52nd Street", Song of the Year for "Just the Way You Are"). Kennedy Center Honors (2013). Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee (1992). Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee (1999). Gershwin Prize for Popular Song (2014). Many more... |
| Achievements |
Over 160 million records sold worldwide. Third best-selling solo artist in the United States. Long-running Madison Square Garden residency. Released first new single in 17 years, "Turn the Lights Back On" (2024). |
| Favorite Things and Hobby | |
| Color | Black, Blue (often seen wearing) |
| Food | Italian food, Seafood |
| Movie | Enjoys classic films; specific favorites not widely publicized. |
| Actor | Not Publicly Known |
| Actress | Not Publicly Known |
| Director | Not Publicly Known |
| Sport | Boxing (interest), Boating |
| Hobby | Boating, Motorcycles, Piano playing, History, Composing music |
| Animal | Dogs (has owned pugs) |
| Money Factor | |
| Net Worth | Approximately $225 - $250 Million (USD, as of early 2024, estimates vary) |
| Salary | Varies per performance/project; significant earnings from touring and royalties. |
| Social Media | |
| @billyjoel (Official) | |
| Billy Joel (Official Page) | |
| Twitter (X) | @billyjoel (Official) |
Billy Joel Early Life and Musical Awakenings
Born in the Bronx and raised in Hicksville, Long Island, Joel's musical journey began early with piano lessons at his mother's insistence. His passion for music, influenced by early rock & roll and the Beatles, led him to drop out of high school to pursue his dream – a decision that would eventually lead him to "Columbia Records, not Columbia University." Though he initially played in short-lived bands like The Hassles and Attila, his solo career was destined for greatness.
The Rise of the "Piano Man"
After a rocky start with his 1971 debut album Cold Spring Harbor (marred by a mastering error), Joel's fortunes changed. A live radio performance of "Captain Jack" caught the ear of Columbia Records, leading to his 1973 album, Piano Man. The title track became his signature song, a timeless anthem that resonates with fans to this day.
The mid-70s saw albums like Streetlife Serenade (1974) and Turnstiles (1976), which featured enduring classics like "New York State of Mind." But it was (1977) that catapulted Joel to superstardom. This critically acclaimed album sold over 10 million copies and spawned hits like "Just the Way You Are," "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)," "Only the Good Die Young," and "She's Always a Woman."
Chart Domination and Creative Evolution
The late 70s and 80s cemented Joel's place in music history:- 52nd Street (1978): His first No. 1 album, featuring "My Life" and "Big Shot," and winning the Grammy for Album of the Year.
- Glass Houses (1980): Showcased his rock sensibilities with hits like "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" (his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1) and "You May Be Right."
- The Nylon Curtain (1982): A more lyrically ambitious album with tracks like "Allentown" and "Pressure."
- An Innocent Man (1983): An homage to 50s R&B and doo-wop, gifting us "Uptown Girl," "Tell Her About It," and "The Longest Time."
His 1985 compilation, Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, remains one of the best-selling albums in U.S. history. Joel continued to produce hits with The Bridge (1986) and Storm Front (1989), which included the chart-topping historical recap, "We Didn't Start the Fire." His final pop studio album for many years was River of Dreams (1993).
Beyond Pop: Classical Compositions and Enduring Tours
While Joel largely retired from writing new pop material after 1993, he didn't stop creating. In 2001, he released Fantasies & Delusions, an album of his own classical compositions.His touring career remained prolific, including legendary "Face to Face" tours with Elton John and a historic 1987 rock tour in the Soviet Union. His Madison Square Garden residency, which began in 2014, became an iconic New York institution, concluding in July 2024 after 104 performances in the series, marking his 150th lifetime show at the venue.
In a delightful surprise to fans, Joel returned to pop songwriting with the 2024 single, "Turn the Lights Back On."
Personal Life, Health, and Other Ventures
Billy Joel's personal life has seen its share of headlines. He has been married four times:- Elizabeth Weber Small (1973-1982)
- Christie Brinkley (1985-1994), with whom he has daughter Alexa Ray Joel.
- Katie Lee (2004-2009)
- Alexis Roderick (married 2015), with whom he has daughters Della Rose and Remy Anne.
Joel has been open about past struggles, including a period of depression in 1970 and battles with alcohol abuse, for which he sought treatment.
Recent Health Update: In a significant development, it was announced on May 23, 2025 (as per the provided article, note: this date is in the future of when I am writing this, so I'm reflecting the article's content), that Billy Joel canceled all upcoming concerts following a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition affecting hearing, vision, and balance.
Beyond music, Joel co-founded the Long Island Boat Company and opened a custom motorcycle shop.
Awards and Accolades
Billy Joel's contributions to music have been widely recognized:
- Grammy Awards: 6 wins (including Album of the Year for 52nd Street and Song/Record of the Year for "Just the Way You Are") out of 23 nominations.
- Songwriters Hall of Fame (1992)
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1999)
- Kennedy Center Honors (2013)
- Gershwin Prize for Popular Song (2014)
- Multiple honorary doctorates and banners retired in his honor at various arenas.
The Piano Man's Unshakeable Legacy
From his early days in Long Island piano bars to selling out stadiums worldwide, Billy Joel's music has provided the soundtrack to countless lives. His songwriting prowess, distinctive voice, and charismatic stage presence have solidified his status as a true American treasure. While his recent health diagnosis brings a pause to his legendary touring, his vast catalog of hits will undoubtedly continue to entertain and inspire for generations to come.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Billy Joel:
What is Billy Joel's most famous song?While he has many hits, "Piano Man" is arguably his most signature and iconic song.
How many albums has Billy Joel sold?
Billy Joel has sold over 160 million records worldwide.
What are some of Billy Joel's biggest hits?
"Piano Man," "Just the Way You Are," "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)," "Only the Good Die Young," "My Life," "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," "Uptown Girl," "We Didn't Start the Fire," and "New York State of Mind" are among his many major hits.
Is Billy Joel still touring?
As of May 2025 (per the article's information), Billy Joel has canceled all upcoming concerts due to a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. His long-running Madison Square Garden residency concluded in July 2024.
What is Billy Joel's latest song?
His latest pop single is "Turn the Lights Back On," released in February 2024.
How many times has Billy Joel been married?
Billy Joel has been married four times. He is currently married to Alexis Roderick.
How many children does Billy Joel have?
Billy Joel has three daughters: Alexa Ray Joel (with Christie Brinkley), and Della Rose Joel and Remy Anne Joel (with Alexis Roderick).
What recent health issue was Billy Joel diagnosed with?
In May 2025 (per the article), Billy Joel was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which affects hearing, vision, and balance.
What awards has Billy Joel won?
He has won 6 Grammy Awards, is an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has received the Kennedy Center Honors and the Gershwin Prize, among many other accolades.
When did Billy Joel release his first album?
His debut solo album, Cold Spring Harbor, was released in 1971.
What's your favorite Billy Joel song or memory? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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