At 74 years old, Billy Joel continues to captivate audiences with his music and performances. With a career spanning decades, Joel has achieved remarkable success, earning 33 Top 40 hits, six Grammy Awards, a Tony Award, and inductions into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Known for his enduring hits and unforgettable live shows, Joel has also built a significant fortune, with his net worth estimated at around $225 million. Currently partnered with Alexis Roderick, the couple shares two daughters, Della Rose and Remy Anne.
Lasting Musical Impact
Joel’s most recent album of original pop-rock music, “River of Dreams,” was released in August 1993. This was followed by an album of classical compositions, “Fantasies & Delusions,” in 2001. Despite stepping back from writing new pop songs, Joel has not stopped performing his classics. He famously remarked in 2010, “I’m writing thematic music now… instrumental music. That’s what interests me now.” His commitment to live performances has never waned, evidenced by his decade-long monthly residency at Madison Square Garden (MSG).
MSG Residency Legacy
Joel’s MSG residency, which began in 2014, has become a hallmark of his career, drawing nearly 1.7 million fans and generating $207 million in ticket sales as of June 2023. His shows, known for their extensive setlists and surprise guest appearances, have featured artists like Brian Johnson, Joe Elliott, Olivia Rodrigo, and Miley Cyrus. The residency, which has seen Joel perform over 150 shows, is set to conclude with a final performance on July 25, 2024, marking the end of an era for the “Piano Man.”
Global Performances and Exhibits
Even as his MSG residency ends, Joel’s passion for performing continues. He has scheduled shows for 2024 in cities like Tokyo, Tampa, San Diego, and Arlington, Texas. Additionally, fans can explore Joel’s storied career at the “Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey” exhibit at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Celebrating Iconic Albums
As we reflect on Joel’s illustrious career, we celebrate milestone anniversaries of four of his iconic albums:
“Piano Man” – 50th Anniversary
Released on November 7, 1973, “Piano Man” marked Joel’s breakthrough, with the title track becoming one of the most recognizable songs in music history. Despite not reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song has left an indelible mark, being honored in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and the Library of Congress National Recording Registry. Joel has often expressed surprise at the song’s enduring popularity, once humorously critiquing its “redundant melody.”
“52nd Street” – 45th Anniversary
Released in October 1978, “52nd Street” showcased Joel’s versatility and love for jazz influences. The album, featuring hits like “My Life,” “Big Shot,” and “Honesty,” earned Joel a Grammy Award and sold over 7 million copies. “My Life” gained additional fame as the theme song for the TV show “Bosom Buddies,” albeit with vocals by Gary Bennett. The album’s depiction of New York’s vibrant nightlife helped cement Joel’s status as a top artist of his time.
“An Innocent Man” – 40th Anniversary
“An Innocent Man,” released in August 1983, is a nostalgic homage to the doo-wop and soul music Joel adored in his youth. With hits like “An Innocent Man,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Tell Her About It,” the album reflects a carefree period in Joel’s life, filled with personal and romantic exploration. The music video for “Uptown Girl” famously featured Christie Brinkley, Joel’s then-girlfriend and future wife, highlighting his intersection of personal life and music.
“River of Dreams” – 30th Anniversary
Marking a pivotal moment in Joel’s life, “River of Dreams” was released in August 1993 and is his last album of original pop-rock music. The album’s introspective songs touch on themes of trust, faith, and parenting, influenced by Joel’s personal challenges, including a lawsuit against his former manager and his impending divorce from Brinkley. The title track, known for its spiritual undertones, was a commercial success, spending 27 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
As Joel’s iconic MSG residency comes to a close, his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of all time is undeniable. His enduring popularity, coupled with a deep connection to his music and fans, ensures that Billy Joel’s contributions to music will be celebrated for generations to come.
