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It is absolutely impossible to have a conversation about the piano rock genre without it being dominated by the styling of Billy Joel. The singer/pianist has been dominating the genre since his first hit in 1973, and while he has branched away from the rock and pop sounds, he is still making beautiful music.
Joel grew up in the Hicksville, New York, and had an extreme interest in music from an early age. He was mocked for his interest in the art, and also took to boxing to keep the bullies of the neighborhood at bay.
Joels first taste of fame came when a Philadelphia radio station played the single "Captain Jack" off of his debut album "Cold Spring Harbor" in 1971. While it was a modest hit, it warmed him up for the success that "Piano Man" would bring him in 1973. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA, and the album also included "Captain Jack" and "The Ballad of Billy the Kid."
His next bit hit was "The Stranger" in 1977. The album was his first legitimate smash, including the hits "Just the Way You Are," "Movin Out (Anthonys Song)," Only the Good Die Young" and "Shes Always a Woman." The album received Grammy nominations for "Album of the Year," "Song of the Year" and "Record of the Year."
Joel released a bevy of albums that resulted in a multitude of hit singles over the years, including "My Life," "Big Shot," "Honesty," "You May Be Right," "Dont Ask Me Why," "Shes Got a Way" and "Uptown Girl." All of these hits were accumulated for "Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and 2" in 1985. The album was extremely successful, selling over 20 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling double album of all time by a solo artist.
Joel took a bit of a break from rock records after the best-of release, focusing on political matters and also doing some voice work for "Disneys Oliver & Company." When he came back, however, he had a lot to say - he released "Storm Front" in 1989, which included his trademark song "We Didnt Start the Fire" and "I Go To Extremes." Another notable song from the album is the heart wrenching ballad "And So it Goes." After touring behind the album, he released "River of Dreams" in 1993. The album featured the hit title track and "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)."
Joel has semi-retired from rocknroll - a Madison Square Garden show in 1999 was thought to be Joels last solo concert. The album was almost four hours long and was released as 2000 Years: The Millennium Concert." The singer continued to record - he put out "Fantasies and Delusions" in 2001, which he wrote and had performed by Richard Joo.
Joel got back behind the piano to tour with Elton John on their "Face to Face" tours, where they play each others songs and perform duets. He has spent most of the past dace touring across the world, including shows in South Africa, Japan, Italy and Ireland.
While Joel rarely records songs with lyrics anymore, he certainly has made his mark on the music industry, and continues to find new ways to do so - he is the ultimate artist.
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