Billy Joel
The Piano Man: Iconic American singer-songwriter known for blending pop, rock, and piano artistry.
Chronology: 1949-05-09 – Present
Origins & Early Life
William Martin Joel ( JOHL; born May 9, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Nicknamed the Piano Man, after his 1973 signature song of the same name, he has had a successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s. From 1971 to 1993, Joel released 12 entirely self-written studio albums spanning the genres of pop and rock, and in 2001 released a one-off studio album of classical compositions.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
With over 160 million records sold worldwide, Joel is one of the world's best-selling music artists and is the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States. His 1985 compilation album, Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, is one of the best-selling albums in the U.S. Joel was born in the Bronx in New York City and grew up in the Levittown portion of Hicksville on Long Island, where he began taking piano lessons at his mother's insistence. After dropping out of high school to pursue a music career, Joel took part in two short-lived bands, the Hassles and Attila, before signing a record deal with Family Productions and embarking on a solo career with his debut album, Cold Spring Harbor (1971).
Enduring Legacy & Impact
In 1972, Joel caught the attention of Columbia Records after a live radio performance of "Captain Jack" became popular in Philadelphia, prompting him to sign a new record deal with the company, through which he released his second album, Piano Man (1973). After Streetlife Serenade (1974) and Turnstiles (1976), Joel achieved his critical and commercial breakthrough with The Stranger (1977). It became Columbia's best-selling release, selling over 10 million copies and spawning the hit singles "Just the Way You Are", "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)", "Only the Good Die Young", and "She's Always a Woman", as well as the concert staples "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" and "Vienna". Joel's 52nd Street (1978) was his first album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200, as well as winning his first and only Album of the Year award at the 22nd Annual Grammy Awards.
Source: Wikipedia