BILLY JOEL
By: Clifford Andersen
Introduction to Music
Fall 2011
William “Billy” Martin Joel
• Born May 9, 1949, in Bronx, New York.
• Raised in Long Island, New York, by his single
mother after his parents’ divorce at age eight.
• Started piano lessons at only four years old.
• Focused on music rather than education,
giving tips to his mother to help with bills.
• Earned his high school diploma in 1992, and at
the age of 43.
Early Years As A Musician
• 1963 – Joined a member of the band “The Echoes.”
• 1967 – Joined “The Hassles.” The band recorded two
albums with United Artists.
– The Hassles
– Hour of the Wolf
• During this time, Joel suffered from depression and
spent three weeks in a psychiatric hospital after a
failed suicide attempt.
Cold Spring Harbor (1972)
• In 1971, Joel signed a solo recording
•
•
contract and released his first solo
album, Cold Spring Harbor, with
Family Productions.
Despite the album’s failure, Joel was
bound by a contract with Family
Productions.
A frustrated Joel left New York and
moved to Los Angeles, and started
playing in a piano bar under the
name Bill Martin.
“Captain Jack” & Columbia Records
• Before leaving New York, Joel recorded a live performance of
“Captain Jack,” which a Philadelphia radio station started
playing in 1972.
• At that time, Joel was playing piano under the assumed name,
Bill Martin, at The Executive Lounge in Los Angeles to pay the
bills.
• “Captain Jack” caught the attention of Columbia Records and
prompted them to approach Joel, and they worked to get him
out of his previous contract with Family Entertainment.
• Joel was signed to Columbia Records by the Legendary Clive
Davis in 1973.
Piano Man (1973)
• The album Piano Man
debuted in 1973, and
became Joel’s first Gold
Album.
• The hit song from the
album, also titled “Piano
Man,” became Joel’s first
top 20 single, and launched
Joel on the path toward
stardom.
The Stranger (1977)
• In 1977, Joel wrote,
recorded and released The
Stranger, his second
album with Columbia
Records.
• The Stranger was
Columbia’s biggest selling
album until 1985.
Hits from The Stranger
• Four singles from The Stranger charted on the
Billboard Hot 100:
– "Just The Way You Are" (#3)
• Grammy Award for Song of the Year
• Grammy Award for Record of the Year
– "Movin' Out" (#17)
– "She's Always a Woman" (#17)
– "Only The Good Die Young" (#24)
52nd Street (1978)
• Became Joel’s first #1
Album, winning a 1979
Grammy Award for
Album of the Year
• Three songs reached
the Top 40 in the
United States:
– "My Life" (#3)
– "Big Shot" (#14)
– "Honesty" (#24)
Success of the 1980s
• 1980 - Glass House album hit #1 on the Billboard
•
•
•
•
Album Chart.
1980- The song, “It’s Still Rock n’ Roll To Me”
became Joel’s first #1 single.
1981 - Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal
Performance by a Male
1981 – People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Pop
Performer
1981 – Released a live album titled Songs in the Attic,
which became Joel’s fourth consecutive top 10
album.
Continued Success in the 1980s
• 1982 – The Nylon Curtain album was released,
reached #7 on the Billboard charts, and was
nominated for a Grammy.
• 1983 – An Innocent Man album was released,
reached #4 on the Billboard charts, and was
nominated for a Grammy.
– The album generated six top 40 singles, three of
which made it to the top 10, including the single,
“Uptown Girl,” which was nominated for best pop
vocal performance, male.
Continued Success
of the 1990’s and 2000’s
• The 1970’s and 1980’s were the commercial peak of Joel’s
career; however, he expanded his music through the 1990’s
and 2000’s.
• In 1993, Joel released the album River of Dreams, which
included his last top 10 single by the same name.
• In 2001, Joel released an album of classical music titled
Fantasies and Delusions: Music for Solo Piano,” which topped
the charts.
• Also in 2001, Joel joined Elton John for the Face-to-Face tour.
Personal Life & Influences
Joel’s music often reflected his experiences and personal life.
• Joel was married to Elizabeth Small from 1972 to 1983, and
wrote several songs for her, including “Just the Way You Are.”
• After his divorce from Small, Joel dated supermodel Elle
Macpherson, for whom he wrote “The Night” and “And So It
Goes.”
• In 1985, he married supermodel Christie Brinkley, the
inspiration for “Uptown Girl.” The couple had one child,
Alexa Ray, and divorced after nearly a decade.
• In 2004, Joel, 55, married Katie Lee, 23, a TV food reporter.
To mark their second wedding anniversary, Joel recorded the
first new song in 14 years, “All my Life.” Lee and Joel
separated in 2009.
Today
• Joel has been in the news for alcohol abuse, and in
•
•
2005, entered a 30-day treatment center.
Joel continues to tour, and in 2008, he played the
final concert in New York’s Shea Statium before
demolition.
Joel and Elton John joined on a North American tour
in 2009 -2010, and grossed nearly $90 million during
the one-year tour.
Composition History
Piano Man, Written and Performed by Billy Joel
•
•
•
•
Recorded by Joel in September 1973
Released by Columbia Records on November 2, 1973
Produced by Michael Steward.
The song “Piano Man” was Joel’s first major hit and is
considered his “signature song.”
• Joel’s experiences playing at the piano bar and his own
feelings about his first album’s failure inspired him to write
“Piano Man.”
• The characters in the song are based on the real people with
whom Joel came in contact at The Executive Room, and the
character “Bill” in the song is actually reference to Joel’s
assumed name of Bill Martin.
Composition History
Piano Man, Written and Performed by Billy Joel
• In an interview with Metro newspaper on July 6, 2006, Joel
said:
– “I have no idea why that song became so popular. It’s like
a karaoke favorite. The melody is not very good and very
repetitious, while the lyrics are like limericks.”
• “Piano Man” features the piano, harmonica, bass, accordion,
mandolin, drums and vocals.
• Joel plays the harmonica and piano at the same time during
the performance, and Joel has said the harmonica part was
inspired by Bob Dylan, as he was the first person Joel had
seen use a strap to hold the harmonica so he could play
another instrument at the same time.
Composition History
Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
Written and Performed by Billy Joel
• Recorded by Joel in 1977
• Released by Columbia Records on The Stranger on November
•
•
•
•
1, 1977
Produced by Phil Ramone
Joel wrote of his disgust at how working-class and lowermiddle-class New Yorkers took pride in working too hard for
long hours just to be able to afford the material things that
would make it look like they “made it.”
The characters had stereotypical ethic names, such as
Anthony, Mama Leone, Sergeant O’Leary, and Mr. Cacciatore.
All they got in the end of their hard word was a “heart attack”
or “a broken back.”
Composition History
Only the Good Die Young
Written and Performed by Billy Joel
•
•
•
•
Recorded by Joel in 1977
Released by Columbia Records on The Stranger on November 1, 1977
Produced by Phil Ramone
Originally recorded with a Reggae groove, but changed because Joel’s
drummer did not like the Reggae beat.
• Very controversial song when released in 1977, as Joel wrote it from the
viewpoint of a young man trying to convince a Catholic girl, a virgin, to
have sex with him.
• Joel knew it would be controversial when he wrote it, but the controversy
just made the song more popular. The song did not do well until Church
officials around the United States heard it and started condemning it. In
an interview with Metro newspaper on July 6, 2006, Joel said:
– “Then it was banned by a radio station in New Jersey at a Catholic university.
The minute the kids found out it was banded, they ran out in droves and it
became a huge hit.”
Listening Guide
Piano Man: 5:38
Written by Billy Joel, Performed by Billy Joel
•
•
•
•
•
Major Mode
Tonal
Triple-simple meter
Comfortable and Familiar
Simple formal structure:
– Introduction | Verse 1 | Chorus | Verse 2 | Verse 3 |
Chorus | Verse 4 | Chorus | Repeat of Chorus.
• Homophonic texture
• Unique in that Joel is singing and playing both the
harmonica and piano
Listening Guide
Piano Man: 5:38
Written by Billy Joel, Performed by Billy Joel
•
0:00 The introduction starts with one piano chord, and then some trills and scales contrasting with
chords on the piano. The notes are soft, quick and a little dissonant, before the harmonica joins in
with a very clear melody.
•
0:09 The introduction continues at a moderate speed, with the piano establishing the theme, and
the harmonica joins the piano.
•
0:32 Verse 1 starts with the lyrics being sung in a calm, matter-of-fact manner, with a piano
accompaniment in three-quarter time.
•
0:46 In the middle of the verse, there is a break in the lyrics and the harmonica plays a melody, and
the piano accompanies. Toward the end of this section, there is a gradual increase in volume and
intensity of the piano, again building anticipation to the continuation of the lyrics.
•
1:00 Verse 1 continues, but the music and lyrics are given more volume and intensity as the verse
continues. Other instruments, most prominently the mandolin, join the accompaniment, giving the
melody a rich tone.
•
1:15 There is a transition between each verse and the chorus, in which Joel sings “La la la…” to the
melody.
Listening Guide
Piano Man: 5:38
Written by Billy Joel, Performed by Billy Joel
•
1:25 The Chorus begins and ends with a harmonica solo playing the same theme/melody as it does
throughout the song. The chorus is a simple melody with the piano accompaniment of simple
three-quarter tempo. It is familiar and comfortable, which lends to the popularity of the song.
•
1:56 Verse 2 begins and is the same as Verse 1 without the harmonica playing between the first
and second part of the Verse.
•
2:15 The second part of Verse 2, significantly crescendos both in volume and in intensity of the
piano.
• 2:43 Verse 3 starts right after the transition of “La la la…” at the end of Verse 2, with no
chorus between.
• 3:09 Crescendo of volume and intensity, both of the lyrics and instruments, starts at the
second portion of Verse three, and continues through the end of Verse 3.
• 3:26 The intensity that has built through the lyrics continues, and instead of singing “La la
la…” as in the other verses, there is a piano solo of intense and dissonant runs, which is a
variation on the theme, leading into the chorus.
Listening Guide
Piano Man: 5:38
Written by Billy Joel, Performed by Billy Joel
• 3:42 The Chorus is played with great intensity, beginning and ending with the harmonica
solo. The chorus is a simple melody with the piano accompaniment of simple three-quarter
tempo. It is familiar and comfortable, which lends to the popularity of the song.
• 4:11 Verse 4 starts in the same calm lyrically style as Verse 1; however, there is not a
harmonica transition from the first and second portions of the verse.
• 4:29 As the second half of the verse starts, there is a dramatic crescendo in volume and
intensity, with a very passionate expression of the lyrics.
• 4:47 Diminuendo of volume to the transition of “La la la….” Then immediate crescendo into
to last Chorus, with the mandolin playing a melody in contrast to that of the piano, giving the
song a really interesting and unique sound.
• 5:24 The piano continues playing the theme, softening, then ending.
• 5:36 End
Listening Guide
Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song): 3:28
Written by Billy Joel, Performed by Billy Joel
• Major Mode
• Simple meter
• Creative accompaniment, in which
syncopation and cymbals accent the lyrics
• Form:
– Introduction | Verse 1 | Chorus | Verse 2 | Chorus
| Bridge | Chorus | Coda.
• Homophonic texture
Listening Guide
Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song): 3:28
Written by Billy Joel, Performed by Billy Joel
• 0:00 Introduction starts with a strong note, immediately playing the theme that continues
through the entire song. The drums are prominent and consistent throughout the song, and
you can hear the bass guitar keeping a steady beat. 0:14 Verse 1 begins. Syncopation is used
to really accent the words of the song, giving it an almost playful tone.
• 0:31 Emphasis on the second syllable of attack, with “ack” being repeated five times. The
last “ack” is held for several beats. The tempo then slows during the words “you oughta
know by now.” The tempo resumes and the verse continues. These variations in tempo and
use of the lyrics really add to the unique quality of the song.
• 0:43 The Chorus starts at a much slower tempo. Chorus: Slower tempo than the rest of the
song, then dragging out the work “I’m” for at least four beats, then the original tempo
resumes with the words “movin’ out” with emphasis on the beats.
• 1:10 Verse 2 begins, and is the same as Verse 1, with the same use of syncopation. This time,
the last syllable of Cadillac is repeated five times.
Listening Guide
Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song): 3:28
Written by Billy Joel, Performed by Billy Joel
• 1:38 The Chorus repeats again, with the tempo slowing. The first and
third beats are strongly accented by the snare drum, giving emphasis to
the slower tempo.
• 2:09 The bridge is fairly short, and it is the same tempo as both Verse 1
and Verse 2. It sounds like the Verse, but is varied and shortened.
• 2:35 The Coda begins with the theme continuing to play with no lyrics.
• 2:47 There is the sound of a motor revving, then tires screeching, as it
sounds like a muscle car is peeling out and driving away. The piano and
drums continue to play, eventually fading out.
• 3:28 End
Listening Guide
Only the Good Die Young: 3:53
Written by Billy Joel, Performed by Billy Joel
•
•
•
•
Major Mode
Tonal
Quadruple-simple meter
Simple formal structure:
– Introduction | Verse 1 | Verse 2 | Chorus | Verse 3 | Verse
4 | Chorus | Bridge | Verse 5 | Chorus | Interlude |
Second Bridge | Verse 6 | Chorus | Chorus Repeat.
• Homophonic texture
• Form is unique in that there are two bridges
Listening Guide
Only the Good Die Young: 3:53
Written by Billy Joel, Performed by Billy Joel
•
0:00 The introduction starts with the piano softly introducing the theme.
•
0:13 Verse 1 starts with the drums playing a pickup, with guitar coming in as the prominent sound playing the
beat. It is clearly quadruple meter, with emphasis on the first and third beats during the verses. During the last
sentence of each verse, the accompaniment stops, except for the guitar playing two chords and the very light
sound of the snare drum keeping the beat under the lyrics.
•
0:27 Verse 2 is the same as Verse 1, with the theme continuing and the guitar and drums having the dominant
sound.
•
0:40 The Chorus continues at the same tempo and theme; however, there is syncopation with emphasis on the
second beat.
•
0:54 Verse 3 is the same as previous verses except for the lyrics. The theme continues and the guitar and drums
are the dominant sounding instruments.
•
1:06 Verse 4 starts, and continues with the same theme. It does not vary from previous verses except for the
lyrics.
•
1:19 The Chorus continues at the same tempo and theme; however, there is syncopation with emphasis on the
second beat. Also, there is a saxophone that plays contrast to the melody, and adds a really unique sound to the
chorus.
Listening Guide
Only the Good Die Young: 3:53
Written by Billy Joel, Performed by Billy Joel
•
1:34 The bridge has the same tempo and there is syncopation for emphasis and drama on the words.
•
2:02 Verse 5 is the same as previous verses.
•
2:13 The Chorus plays, with syncopation for emphasis and the saxophone added.
•
2:28 An instrumental bridge starts with a piano solo, leading into a saxophone solo with piano accompaniment.
•
2:40 The second bridge continues with lyrics.
•
2:51 Verse 6 starts and although it is very similar to the previous verses, there is more going on with the music. Specifically,
the piano plays short staccato notes in the background, giving it a Jerry Lee Lewis, 1950’s feel.
•
3:05 The Chorus plays, with syncopation for emphasis and the saxophone added.
•
3:19 The Chorus repeats, sounding the same as the previous ones; however, there is much more going on with the piano
accompaniment.
•
3:30 Chorus continues to repeat while fading
•
3:53 End
Bibliography
"Billy Joel Biography ." Band Biographies. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2011.
<http://www.bandbiographies.com/billy_joel/biography.htm>.
"Billy Joel Biography & Timeline." Billy Joel. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2011.
<www.billyjoel.com/us/biography>.
"Billy Joel Biography - Biography.com." Biography.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2011.
<http://www.biography.com/articles/Billy-Joel-9354859>.
"Billy Joel bio - short biography ." Songwriting Tips: Song Writing, How to Write a Song,
Songwriter. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2011.
<http://www.ultimatesongwriting.com/billy-joel.html>.
"Billy Joel – Piano Man – Video, listening & stats at Last.fm." Last.fm - Listen to free
music with internet radio and the largest music catalogue online. N.p., n.d. Web. 26
Sept. 2011. <http://www.last.fm/music/Billy+Joel/_/Piano+Man>.
"Billy Joel’s Biography – Free listening, videos, concerts, stats, & pictures at Last.fm."
Last.fm - Listen to free music with internet radio and the largest music catalogue
online. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://www.last.fm/music/Billy+Joel/+wiki>.
"Only The Good Die Young by Billy Joel Songfacts." Song Meanings at Songfacts. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=3880>.
Waddell, R. (2009). BILLY JOEL. Billboard, 121(18), 25. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.