Billy Joel - It's Still Rock and Roll to Me
I was totally and utterly shocked to discover that Billy Joel was not on the schedule. I checked it over and over, but his name wasn’t anywhere. I couldn’t believe it. To my surprise, I actually began to get angry. Right now as I am writing this I am listening to Billy Joel’s Songs in the Attic, and I am becoming more and more furious as I think about it, which can only mean that I am really passionate about music, and Billy Joel in particular. In my opinion, Billy Joel is one of the greatest rock stars that has ever existed. While some people may disagree that he is a rock musician or say that he does not fit into a definite category, I think this is a lot of what does make him a rock and roll artist. You could classify him as mainstream rock or classic rock if you wanted to, but I simply classify him as Billy Joel. There is no other. Billy Joel was born in 1949, in the Bronx, which is obviously very influential in his music. He grew up just scratching by, living with his divorced mother, working long hours to help make ends meet. He subsequently did not graduate high school, as a result of his excessive absences. He also spent a lot time boxing and spent a noteworthy amount of time in the Long-island bar scene, which further influenced his music. He started piano at age four, and by age sixteen he had already been in three bands. In the 70s, working at this point as a solo artist, Joel released his first recording Cold Spring Harbor, and unfortunately signed a contract with his producer, Artie Ripp, which gave away most of his rights and his royalties for a time period of fifteen years. The album did not do well anyway, and a dispirited Joel began to work in LA as a lounge pianist. Joel’s first top 40 song, “Piano Man,” describes this experience: “It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday and the Manager gives me a smile/ ‘cause he knows that it’s me they’ve been comin’ to see, to forget about life for a while/ And the piano, it sounds like a
Cited: Associated Press. (2001). “’Piano man’ Showcases Classical Side on A&E; Billy Joel: Among the Musician’s Idols are the Beatles, Mozart and Beethoven.” Telegraph – Herald Berrier, R. (2004). “Vassar Plays Well to Friendly Crowd.” Roanoke Times & World News “Billy Joel is writing music that runs in a serious vein.” Times Union. Ablany, N.Y.: Oct, 2, 1997 Deggans, E. (1996). “Billy Joel, Up Close and Down to Earth Series: Page Three.” St. Petersburg Times Hoffman, B. (2002). “He’s Movin’ In – B’Way Newcomer Makes Music of His Idol, Billy Joel.” New York Post New Music in his Head as he Gets Ready for the Millennium.” Times – Picayune. New Orleans, L.A.: Nov 26, 1999. pg. 22 Thrills, A London (UK): Aug 20, 2004. pg. 55