Childhood and Education Journey of Billy Joel in Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Billy Joel, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
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.
1922: Rosalind Nyman's birth
In 1922, Rosalind Nyman, Billy Joel's mother, was born in Brooklyn to Jewish parents.
1923: Howard Joel's Birth
In 1923, Howard (Helmut) Joel, Billy Joel's father, was born in Nuremberg, Germany.
May 9, 1949: Birth of William Martin Joel
On May 9, 1949, William Martin Joel, later known as Billy Joel, was born. He is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist.
1957: Divorce of Billy Joel's parents
In 1957, Rosalind and Howard Joel, Billy Joel's parents, divorced, after which Howard returned to Europe.
1967: Joel's Missed Graduation
In 1967, Billy Joel did not graduate with his class at Hicksville High School, due to missed exams as he was playing at a piano bar to help support himself and his family.
1970: Suicide Attempt and Hospitalization
In 1970, a career decline and personal tragedies led Billy Joel to a depressive period and a suicide attempt by drinking furniture polish, resulting in hospitalization and treatment for depression.
1971: Start of Solo Career
In 1971, Billy Joel began his solo career, marking a significant turning point in his musical journey.
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: Marriage to Elizabeth Weber
In 1973, Billy Joel married Elizabeth Weber, who subsequently became his manager.
1975: Return to New York City
In 1975, Billy Joel returned to New York City after becoming disenchanted with Los Angeles.
April 15, 1982: Motorcycle Accident
On April 15, 1982, Billy Joel was involved in a serious motorcycle accident on Long Island, which caused injuries to his hands and temporarily delayed the production of "The Nylon Curtain".
July 20, 1982: Divorce from Elizabeth Weber Small
On July 20, 1982, Billy Joel divorced his first wife, Elizabeth Weber Small.
March 1985: Marriage to Christie Brinkley
In March 1985, Billy Joel married model Christie Brinkley.
December 29, 1985: Birth of Daughter Alexa Ray Joel
On December 29, 1985, Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley's daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, was born. Alexa was named after Ray Charles, one of Joel's musical idols.
1985: Marriage to Christie Brinkley
In 1985, Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley got married. Their relationship began after Brinkley starred in the music video for "Uptown Girl".
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.
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.
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.
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.
1987: Inspiration for Leningrad
In 1987, Billy Joel met a clown in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) during his tour, which inspired him to write the song "Leningrad".
August 1989: Dismissal of Manager Frank Weber
In August 1989, Billy Joel dismissed his manager, Frank Weber, after discovering discrepancies in Weber's accounting.
January 1990: Partial Judgment Against Frank Weber
In January 1990, Billy Joel was awarded US$2 million in a partial judgment against his former manager, Frank Weber.
1992: High School Diploma Awarded
In 1992, Billy Joel was awarded his high school diploma from Hicksville High School after submitting essays in lieu of a missed exam.
1992: Lawsuit Against Allen Grubman
In the summer of 1992, Billy Joel filed a US$90 million lawsuit against his former lawyer Allen Grubman, alleging fraud and breach of contract.
1993: Settlement of Lawsuit
In the fall of 1993, Billy Joel's lawsuit against Allen Grubman was settled out of court, with Sony America paying Joel US$3 million to protect its subsidiary Sony Music's interests.
April 13, 1994: Separation announcement
On April 13, 1994, Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley announced their separation.
August 1994: Divorce finalized
In August 1994, Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley's divorce was finalized.
August 26, 1994: Divorce from Christie Brinkley
On August 26, 1994, Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley divorced. They remain friends.
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.
2002: Purchase of Oyster Bay Estate
In 2002, Billy Joel bought an estate in Centre Island, New York, in the town of Oyster Bay, for US$22 million.
2002: Treatment at Silver Hill Hospital
In 2002, Billy Joel entered Silver Hill Hospital, a substance abuse and psychiatric center, for 10 days of treatment.
October 2, 2004: Marriage to Katie Lee
On October 2, 2004, Billy Joel married chef Katie Lee, his third wife. His daughter, Alexa Ray, was maid of honor, and Christie Brinkley attended the wedding.
March 2005: Treatment at Betty Ford Center
In March 2005, Billy Joel checked into the Betty Ford Center, where he spent 30 days for the treatment of alcohol abuse.
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 discusses "Say Goodbye to Hollywood"
In a 2008 radio interview, Billy Joel said that he no longer performs the song because singing it in its high original key "shreds" his vocal cords.
June 17, 2009: Separation from Katie Lee Announced
On June 17, 2009, Billy Joel and Katie Lee announced their separation.
2009: Relationship with Alexis Roderick Began
In 2009, Billy Joel and Alexis Roderick started their relationship.
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.
July 4, 2015: Marriage to Alexis Roderick
On July 4, 2015, Billy Joel married Alexis Roderick, his fourth wife, at his Oyster Bay estate. The ceremony was conducted by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
August 12, 2015: Birth of Daughter Della Rose Joel
On August 12, 2015, Billy Joel and Alexis Roderick had a daughter, Della Rose Joel.
November 2015: Manalapan Home Listed for Sale
In November 2015, Billy Joel's waterfront residence in Manalapan, Florida, was put on the market for $19.5 million.
2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
In 2016, after sarcastic dedication of "The Entertainer" to Donald Trump was misinterpreted, Billy Joel clarified that he would be voting for Hillary Clinton.
June 24, 2017: Honorary Commencement Address at Hicksville High School
On June 24, 2017, fifty years after his would-be graduating class received their diplomas, Billy Joel delivered the honorary commencement address at Hicksville High School. It was also the 25th anniversary of him receiving his own diploma.
October 22, 2017: Birth of Daughter Remy Anne Joel
On October 22, 2017, Billy Joel and Alexis Roderick's second daughter, Remy Anne Joel, was born.
2017: Manalapan Home Relisted for Sale
In 2017, Billy Joel's waterfront residence in Manalapan, Florida, was relisted with an asking price of $18.5 million.
2017: Miami 2017 Mention
Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) is mentioned as one of Joel's best-known songs in 2017.
2018: Manalapan Home Reduced in Price
In 2018, the asking price for Billy Joel's Manalapan, Florida, property was further reduced to $16.9 million.
January 2020: Sale of Manalapan Property
In January 2020, Billy Joel's 13,200-square-foot property in Manalapan, Florida, sold for US$10.3 million.
2023: Oyster Bay Estate Put on the Market
In 2023, Billy Joel put his Oyster Bay estate on the market for $49 million, but the listing was pulled for renovations.
September 2024: Oyster Bay Estate Listed for Sale Again
In September 2024, Billy Joel's Oyster Bay estate, with its guest houses, pool, beach, and helipad on 26 acres, was again offered for sale, asking $49.9 million.
