Research Catalog

Details

Description

1. xxiv, 407 pages, 8 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, portraits; 24 cm

Summary

1. "Although publicly and widely acknowledged as one of rock & roll's most talented singer/songwriters, Billy Joel has had a rocky career. From his earliest days in a Long Island rock band to his stint as a piano singer in a lounge (the inspiration for his signature hit, "Piano Man") to his impressive collection of best-selling albums, Grammy Awards, and top 40 hits, Joel has infused his music with his life and proven his staying power across generations." "But who is the real Billy Joel? Mark Bego explores the life and musical history of the artist in Billy Joel: The Biography, Bego delves into Joel's German-Jewish grandfather's past, including the loss of his successful business during the Holocaust and subsequent immigration to the United States, rounding out Joel's roots. Musically gifted from a very young age, Joel played classical piano as a child before forming rock bands as a teen. The music he listened to and emulated in the 1950s and '60s had a huge impact on him and shaped the kind of performer he would become." "After fits and starts early on, Joel's career finally took off with "Piano Man" in 1974, the first of his eventual thirty-three songs to become top 40 hits. His big breakthrough came with his 1977 album, The Stranger, which made him a bona fide rock star. Much of Joel's songwriting built on inspiration from his musical idols, performers like Ray Charles, Fats Domino, and the Beatles. His songs also take their cues from his personal life. Members of his family appear in "Christie Lee," "Rosalinda's Eyes," "Vienna," and "Lullaby," and Billy Joel: The Biography explains the thought processes behind some of the most recognizable songs in music history." "But controversy surrounds Joel. He has been described by friends and coworkers as "difficult" and "sour." His drinking problems and car accidents have brought negative attention and scrutiny from the media. Yet the public still rallies around him. His record-breaking sold-out concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden in 2006 only prove that Billy Joel the entertainer is alive and well."--BOOK JACKET.

Subject

1. Singers > United States > Biography
2. Rock musicians > United States > Biography
3. Joel, Billy

Owning institution

1. Columbia University Libraries

Bibliography (note)

1. Includes bibliographical references, discography and index.