Career Timeline of Billy Joel: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Billy Joel made an impact.
Billy Joel, the "Piano Man," is a highly successful American singer-songwriter and pianist. He launched his solo career in the 1970s, releasing 12 studio albums (1971-1993) in the pop and rock genres, and a classical album in 2001. He has sold over 160 million records globally, making him one of the best-selling music artists and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States. His 1985 compilation album, Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, is a best-selling album in the U.S.
1964: Session Work on Shangri-Las Recording
In 1964, Billy Joel states he played on a recording of the Shangri-Las' "Remember (Walking in the Sand)", marking one of his early musical contributions.
1965: Recordings with the Echoes
In 1965, The Echoes began recording, and Billy Joel played piano on several records released through Kama Sutra Productions and recordings produced by Shadow Morton.
1965: Echoes change name
In late 1965, the Echoes changed their name to the Emeralds, and then to the Lost Souls.
1967: Joel Joins the Hassles
In 1967, Billy Joel left the Lost Souls to join the Hassles, a Long Island group signed with United Artists Records.
1969: Formation of Attila
In 1969, Billy Joel and drummer Jon Small left the Hassles to form the duo Attila.
July 1970: Release of Attila's Debut Album
In July 1970, Attila, the duo formed by Billy Joel and Jon Small, released their eponymous debut album.
1971: Start of Solo Career
In 1971, Billy Joel began his solo career, marking a significant turning point in his musical journey.
1971: Debut Album Release
In 1971, Billy Joel released his debut album, Cold Spring Harbor, marking the beginning of his solo career after short stints with the Hassles and Attila.
1971: Cold Spring Harbor Tour Begins
In the fall of 1971, Billy Joel began his Cold Spring Harbor tour throughout the mainland United States and Puerto Rico, opening for various artists and gaining interest in his music.
1972: Signing with Columbia Records and move to Los Angeles
During the spring of 1972, Billy Joel signed a recording contract with Columbia Records and moved to Los Angeles after radio station WMMR-FM began playing "Captain Jack".
1972: Signing with Columbia Records
In 1972, Billy Joel caught the attention of Columbia Records after a live radio performance of "Captain Jack," leading to a new record deal with the company.
1973: Release of "Piano Man"
In 1973, Billy Joel released "Piano Man", his signature song, which would later give him his nickname and contribute to his successful career.
1974: Recording of Streetlife Serenade
In 1974, Billy Joel recorded his second Columbia album, Streetlife Serenade, in Los Angeles, containing references to suburbia and the inner city.
1974: Helen Reddy records "You're My Home"
In 1974, Helen Reddy recorded the Piano Man track "You're My Home", bringing more attention to Joel's songwriting.
1975: Session work on Bo Diddley album
In late 1975, Billy Joel played piano and organ on several tracks on Bo Diddley's album The 20th Anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll.
1976: Recording of Turnstiles
In 1976, Billy Joel recorded Turnstiles, the first album he recorded with the musicians with whom he toured.
1977: The Stranger's breakthrough success
In 1977, "The Stranger" became a breakthrough album for Billy Joel, introducing many fans to his earlier compositions.
1977: Release of The Stranger
In 1977, Billy Joel achieved critical and commercial success with the release of The Stranger, which became Columbia's best-selling release.
1977: Greatest Hits Compilation Video Album
In 1977, alongside the release of his Greatest Hits album, Billy Joel released a two-volume Video Album, compiling promotional videos he had recorded since 1977. He also recorded a new video for "Piano Man".
1978: Release of "52nd Street"
In 1978, Billy Joel released "52nd Street", which sold over seven million copies and reached number one on the charts with hits like "My Life", "Big Shot", and "Honesty".
1979: Havana Jam Festival Performance
In 1979, Billy Joel traveled to Havana, Cuba, to participate in the Havana Jam festival alongside various artists. His performance was documented in "Havana Jam '79".
May 1980: "You May Be Right" Hit
In May 1980, "You May Be Right" reached No. 7 on the Billboard chart.
July 1980: "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" Number One Hit
In July 1980, "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" became Billy Joel's first Billboard number-one single.
July 1980: Live recordings for Songs in the Attic
In July 1980, Billy Joel recorded live performances in night club shows for "Songs in the Attic", featuring lesser-known songs from earlier in his career.
September 1980: "Don't Ask Me Why" Release
In September 1980, "Don't Ask Me Why" reached No. 19 on the Billboard chart.
November 1980: "Sometimes a Fantasy" Release
In November 1980, "Sometimes a Fantasy" reached No. 36 on the Billboard chart.
1980: Release of Glass Houses
In 1980, Billy Joel released the album Glass Houses, in an attempt to establish himself as a rock artist.
1981: Songs in the Attic Release
In 1981, live performances of "She's Got a Way" and "Everybody Loves You Now" were released on Songs in the Attic, bringing attention to the songs originally on Cold Spring Harbor.
1981: Production of "The Nylon Curtain" Begins
In the fall of 1981, Billy Joel began production on "The Nylon Curtain", aiming for a more ambitious and topical songwriting style.
December 29, 1982: Live from Long Island Filmed
On December 29, 1982, Billy Joel filmed his first video special, "Live from Long Island", at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
1982: Release of The Nylon Curtain
In 1982, Billy Joel released The Nylon Curtain, influenced by a desire to create more lyrically and melodically ambitious music.
1982: "52nd Street" Released on CD
In 1982, Billy Joel's album "52nd Street" became the first commercially released album on compact disc.
1983: "And So It Goes" Written
In 1983, "And So It Goes" was originally written around the time Billy Joel was writing songs for "An Innocent Man", but it was held back until "Storm Front".
1983: Release of "An Innocent Man"
In 1983, Billy Joel released "An Innocent Man", a tribute to R&B and doo wop music, which included his second Billboard number-one hit, "Tell Her About It".
1983: "Live from Long Island" Broadcast on HBO
In 1983, Billy Joel's video special, "Live from Long Island", was originally broadcast on HBO before becoming available on VHS.
1983: Remastered Cold Spring Harbor release
In 1983, Columbia released a remastered version of Cold Spring Harbor, with certain songs shortened or re-orchestrated.
1984: Releases from "An Innocent Man"
In 1984, Billy Joel released singles from "An Innocent Man", including "The Longest Time" which hit No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and "Leave a Tender Moment Alone" which hit No. 27.
January 1985: "Keeping the Faith" peaked on the charts
In January 1985, "Keeping the Faith" peaked at No. 18 on the Hot 100 chart.
1985: Participation in USA for Africa
In 1985, Billy Joel participated in the USA for Africa project and contributed to the "We Are the World" song.
1985: Recording of "You're Only Human (Second Wind)"
In 1985, Billy Joel recorded "You're Only Human (Second Wind)" as a message to help prevent teen suicide.
1985: Release of Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II
In 1985, Billy Joel released his compilation album, Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, which became one of the best-selling albums in the United States.
October 1986: Planning Soviet Union Trip
In October 1986, Billy Joel and his team began planning a tour to the Soviet Union, including live performances in Moscow, Leningrad, and Tbilisi.
November 18, 1986: "Big Man on Mulberry Street" on Moonlighting
On November 18, 1986, an extended version of Billy Joel's "Big Man on Mulberry Street" was featured on an episode of Moonlighting.
1986: Contribution to Ruthless People soundtrack
In 1986, Billy Joel contributed to the soundtrack of the film Ruthless People.
1986: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Site Selection Committee
In 1986, Billy Joel was on the site selection committee for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and cast the tie-breaking vote for Cleveland, Ohio.
1986: End of Phil Ramone Collaboration
In 1986, Phil Ramone's collaboration with Billy Joel came to an end. Ramone had produced all of Joel's studio albums from 1977 to 1986.
July 1987: Tour of the Soviet Union
In July 1987, Billy Joel, his family, and his band toured the Soviet Union, performing in Moscow, Leningrad, and Tbilisi. The concerts were simulcast on radio around the world.
October 1987: Release of "КОНЦЕРТ" Album
In October 1987, Billy Joel released the album "КОНЦЕРТ", featuring live performances from his tour in the Soviet Union.
1987: Rock Tour in the Soviet Union
In 1987, Billy Joel became one of the first artists to hold a rock tour in the Soviet Union, marking a significant cultural exchange.
1988: Joel Plays Keyboards on Mick Jones' Album
In 1988, Billy Joel played keyboards on Mick Jones' self-titled solo album. He is also featured in the video for Jones' single "Just Wanna Hold".
1988: Voiceover Work for Oliver & Company
In 1988, Billy Joel provided voiceover work for the Disney animated film Oliver & Company, performing the song "Why Should I Worry?".
1988: Voice Acting Role in Oliver & Company
In 1988, Billy Joel voiced Dodger in the animated film "Oliver & Company" and sang the character's song "Why Should I Worry?".
1988: Recording of Storm Front Commences
In 1988, the recording of "Storm Front" began, coinciding with major changes in Billy Joel's career and business affairs.
September 1989: Release of "We Didn't Start the Fire"
In September 1989, Billy Joel released "We Didn't Start the Fire", which became his third US number-one hit.
1989: Doug Stegmeyer's departure
In 1989, Doug Stegmeyer left Billy Joel's band, after having been bassist since 1974.
1990: "I Go to Extremes" and "And So It Goes" Charting
In early 1990, "I Go to Extremes" reached No. 6, and in late 1990, "And So It Goes" reached No. 37, further promoting the "Storm Front" album.
1992: Contribution to Honeymoon in Vegas soundtrack
In 1992, Billy Joel contributed to the soundtrack of the film Honeymoon in Vegas.
1992: Induction into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Work on River of Dreams
In 1992, Billy Joel inducted the R&B duo Sam & Dave into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Also in 1992, Joel began working on the album River of Dreams.
1993: Release of River of Dreams Album
In 1993, Billy Joel released the album River of Dreams before largely retiring from producing studio material.
1996: Formation of Long Island Boat Company
In 1996, Billy Joel merged his love of boating with a desire for a second career, forming the Long Island Boat Company with Peter Needham.
1996: Masterclass Session in Pittsburgh
In 1996, Billy Joel shared insights about "Storm Front" and "And So It Goes" during a Masterclass session in Pittsburgh.
1997: Performance with Garth Brooks
In 1997, Billy Joel performed with Garth Brooks during Brooks' Central Park concert.
September 21, 2001: Performance at America: A Tribute to Heroes
On September 21, 2001, Billy Joel performed "New York State of Mind" live as part of the America: A Tribute to Heroes benefit concert.
October 20, 2001: Performance at Concert for New York City
On October 20, 2001, Billy Joel performed "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)" and "Your Song" with Elton John at the Concert for New York City in Madison Square Garden.
2001: Alexander Joel's role as chief musical director
In 2001, Alexander Joel, Billy Joel's half-brother, became the chief musical director of the Staatstheater Braunschweig.
2001: Release of Fantasies & Delusions
In 2001, Billy Joel released Fantasies & Delusions, a unique album of classical compositions, showcasing a different side of his musical talent.
2003: Induction of The Righteous Brothers into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2003, Billy Joel inducted The Righteous Brothers into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
2005: Release of "My Lives" box set
In 2005, Columbia released the "My Lives" box set, a compilation of demos, b-sides, live versions, and hits.
January 7, 2006: Start of U.S. tour
On January 7, 2006, Billy Joel began a tour across the U.S., featuring songs from throughout his career.
June 13, 2006: Release of "12 Gardens Live"
On June 13, 2006, Columbia released "12 Gardens Live", a double album of live recordings from Joel's 2006 shows at Madison Square Garden.
July 31, 2006: Free concert in Rome
On July 31, 2006, Billy Joel performed a free concert in Rome, Italy, with the Colosseum as the backdrop.
2006: "The Great Wall of China" featured on tour
In 2006, "The Great Wall of China", a song about his ex-manager Frank Weber, was a regular part of Billy Joel's tour setlist.
February 27, 2007: Release of "All My Life" single
On February 27, 2007, Billy Joel's newest single, "All My Life", was released in stores.
December 1, 2007: Premiere of "Christmas in Fallujah"
On December 1, 2007, Billy Joel premiered his new song "Christmas in Fallujah", performed by Cass Dillon.
January 26, 2008: Performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra
On January 26, 2008, Billy Joel performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, celebrating the 151st anniversary of the Academy of Music.
March 10, 2008: Induction of John Mellencamp into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On March 10, 2008, Billy Joel inducted his friend John Mellencamp into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
June 19, 2008: Concert at Caesars Windsor grand re-opening
On June 19, 2008, Billy Joel played a concert at the grand re-opening of Caesars Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
2008: Book Project Acquired
HarperCollins acquired the autobiography book project for US$3 million in 2008.
2008: Benefit Performance for Barack Obama
In 2008, Billy Joel played a benefit with Bruce Springsteen to raise money for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
2008: Joel's Reflection on The Bridge
In 2008, Billy Joel stated in an interview that he does not think "The Bridge" is a good album.
March 2009: "Face to Face" tour resumption
In March 2009, Billy Joel and Elton John resumed their "Face to Face" tour.
February 2010: Denial of tour cancellation rumors
In February 2010, Billy Joel denied rumors that he had cancelled a summer leg of the "Face to Face" tour, stating no dates were ever booked.
March 2010: End of "Face to Face" tour
In March 2010, Billy Joel and Elton John ended their "Face to Face" tour in Albany, New York.
November 2010: Opening of Motorcycle Shop
In November 2010, Billy Joel opened a shop in Oyster Bay, Long Island, to manufacture custom-made, retro-styled motorcycles and accessories.
March 2011: Cancellation of Autobiography Release
In March 2011, Billy Joel decided against publishing his autobiography and officially canceled his deal with HarperCollins.
June 2011: Scheduled Release of Autobiography
In June 2011, the autobiography written by Billy Joel with Fred Schruers, titled "The Book of Joel: A Memoir", was originally scheduled to be released.
November 2011: Re-release of "Piano Man"
In November 2011, "Piano Man" was re-released in a two-disc Legacy edition.
December 12, 2012: Performance at 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief
On December 12, 2012, Billy Joel performed at 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief at Madison Square Garden, modifying lyrics to "Miami 2017".
2012: Publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group
In 2012, Billy Joel signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
May 2013: Announcement of Irish Concert
In May 2013, Billy Joel announced that he would hold his first ever indoor Irish concert at the O2 in Dublin.
December 31, 2013: Performance at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
On December 31, 2013, Billy Joel headlined a solo arena concert in New York City for the first time since 2006, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
January 27, 2014: Start of Madison Square Garden residency
On January 27, 2014, Billy Joel began a concert residency at Madison Square Garden, playing one concert a month indefinitely.
2014: Alexander Joel's departure from Staatstheater Braunschweig
In 2014, Alexander Joel's tenure as chief musical director of the Staatstheater Braunschweig concluded.
2014: Schruers Publishes Joel Biography
In 2014, Fred Schruers published a biography, simply titled "Billy Joel", based on his extensive personal interviews with Joel.
August 4, 2015: Final Concert at Nassau Coliseum Before Renovation
On August 4, 2015, Billy Joel performed his final concert at Nassau Coliseum before it underwent a US$261 million renovation.
April 5, 2017: First Concert at Renovated Nassau Coliseum
On April 5, 2017, Billy Joel played the first concert at the newly renovated Nassau Coliseum.
2019: Concert Announcement at Camden Yards
In 2019, Billy Joel announced a concert at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, marking the first-ever concert at the baseball stadium.
March 2020: Concert Postponements Due to COVID-19
Beginning in March 2020, Billy Joel was forced to postpone his concerts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 2021: Concert Postponements End
Billy Joel's concerts remained postponed until August 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 1, 2023: End of Madison Square Garden Residency Announced
On June 1, 2023, Billy Joel announced that his residency at Madison Square Garden would end in July 2024 with his 104th performance in the series, marking his 150th lifetime performance at the venue.
2023: Concert Series with Stevie Nicks Announced
In 2023, Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks jointly announced plans to perform a series of concerts across the United States.
January 22, 2024: New Single Announcement
On January 22, 2024, Billy Joel announced his first new pop single in years, "Turn the Lights Back On", which was released on February 1.
April 14, 2024: CBS Feature on 100th Performance at MSG
On April 14, 2024, Billy Joel was featured on CBS in commemoration of his 100th performance at Madison Square Garden.
July 2024: End of Madison Square Garden Residency
Billy Joel is set to conclude his 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan in July 2024.
2024: Release of Turn the Lights Back On
In 2024, Billy Joel returned to composing new music with the release of the single “Turn the Lights Back On”.
