History of Billy Joel in Timeline
American singer-songwriter and pianist Billy Joel, known as the "Piano Man," rose to fame in the 1970s. He released 12 studio albums between 1971 and 1993, blending pop and rock genres, and later a classical album in 2001. With over 160 million records sold globally, he ranks among the world's best-selling musicians and fourth in the U.S. for solo artists. His 1985 compilation, "Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II," remains a top seller.
1922: Birth of Rosalind Joel
Rosalind Joel, Billy Joel's mother, was born in 1922.
1923: Birth of Howard Joel
Billy Joel's father, Howard (born Helmut) Joel, was born in 1923.
May 9, 1949: Birth of Billy Joel
On May 9, 1949, William Martin Joel, better known as Billy Joel, was born. He would become a renowned American singer, songwriter, and pianist.
1957: Divorce of Billy Joel's Parents
Billy Joel's parents, Rosalind and Howard Joel, divorced in 1957.
1964: Playing Piano on a Shangri-Las Recording Session
Billy Joel recounted playing piano on a recording session for the Shangri-Las' song "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" in 1964.
1965: Joining The Echoes and Recording
At 16, Billy Joel joined the cover band The Echoes and began recording with them in 1965.
1965: Name Changes for The Echoes
The Echoes, the band Billy Joel was a part of, changed their name to the Emeralds and later to the Lost Souls in 1965.
1967: Leaving Hicksville High School
Billy Joel left Hicksville High School in 1967 to pursue his music career.
1967: Joining The Hassles
Billy Joel left the Lost Souls and joined the Long Island band The Hassles in 1967.
1969: Formation of Attila
Following their departure from The Hassles, Billy Joel and drummer Jon Small formed the duo Attila in 1969.
July 1970: Release of Attila's Debut Album
The duo Attila, formed by Billy Joel and Jon Small, released their self-titled debut album in July 1970.
1970: Suicide Attempt and Hospitalization
In 1970, a decline in his career coupled with personal struggles led Billy Joel into a severe depression. He attempted suicide by consuming furniture polish and was rushed to Meadowbrook Hospital by his drummer and bandmate Jon Small. Joel was placed on suicide watch and received treatment for depression.
1971: Start of Solo Career
Billy Joel officially embarked on his solo music career in 1971, marking the beginning of a successful journey in the music industry.
1971: Debut Album Release
Billy Joel released his debut album, "Cold Spring Harbor," in 1971, marking his first step into the world of solo music.
1971: Cold Spring Harbor Tour Begins
Billy Joel embarked on his first tour in support of his debut album, "Cold Spring Harbor," in the fall of 1971. The tour covered the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico, featuring Joel as the opening act for bands such as the J. Geils Band, The Beach Boys, Badfinger, and Taj Mahal.
1972: Signed with Columbia Records & "Piano Man" Written
Billy Joel's career took a significant turn in 1972 when he signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. Following this, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he spent the next three years. During this period, he worked at The Executive Room piano bar using the alias "Bill Martin" and penned his iconic song "Piano Man" based on the bar's patrons.
1972: Signing with Columbia Records
Billy Joel's live radio performance of "Captain Jack" gained popularity in 1972, leading to him signing a record deal with Columbia Records.
1973: Marriage to Elizabeth Weber Small
In 1973, Billy Joel married Elizabeth Weber Small, who went on to become his manager.
1973: Release of "Piano Man" and Nickname
In 1973, Billy Joel released his iconic song "Piano Man," which earned him the enduring nickname "Piano Man."
1973: Release of "Piano Man" Album
In 1973, Billy Joel released his second album, "Piano Man," under Columbia Records.
1973: "Piano Man" Released & Touring Band Changes
In 1973, Joel released his first album with Columbia Records, titled "Piano Man." Despite its initial moderate sales, the album's title track became his signature song, a staple in nearly all his concerts. This year also marked a shift in his touring band, with several members being replaced. They extensively toured the U.S. and Canada, making appearances on prominent music shows, which lead to increased recognition of Joel's songwriting talents.
1974: Release of "Streetlife Serenade"
Billy Joel released his third studio album, "Streetlife Serenade," in 1974.
1974: "Streetlife Serenade" Released
Billy Joel recorded and released his second Columbia album, "Streetlife Serenade," in Los Angeles in 1974. The album reflects on suburban and urban life and features "The Entertainer," a top 40 hit that expressed Joel's sarcastic response to the radio edit of "Piano Man." Although critically less well-received, the album includes notable tracks like "Los Angelenos" and the instrumental "Root Beer Rag."
1974: "You're My Home" Covered by Helen Reddy
In 1974, the recognition for Joel's songwriting continued to grow when singer Helen Reddy covered his song "You're My Home," originally featured on the "Piano Man" album.
1975: "Turnstiles" Recording and Release
In 1975, Joel returned to New York City and recorded "Turnstiles," his first album recorded with his touring band. Initially dissatisfied with a version recorded at Caribou Ranch with members of Elton John's band, Joel opted to re-record and produce the album himself.
1975: Collaboration with Bo Diddley
In late 1975, Billy Joel showcased his musical versatility by contributing piano and organ to several tracks on Bo Diddley's album, "The 20th Anniversary of Rock 'n' Roll." This all-star album marked a collaboration between two prominent figures in the music industry.
1976: Release of "Turnstiles"
In 1976, Billy Joel released "Turnstiles," his fourth studio album.
1977: Release of "The Stranger" and Commercial Breakthrough
Billy Joel achieved his commercial breakthrough with the release of his fifth studio album, "The Stranger," in 1977. It became Columbia Records' best-selling album at the time.
1977: "Piano Man" Music Video
Billy Joel filmed a music video for his first hit, "Piano Man," for a two-volume Video Album release coinciding with his "Greatest Hits" album. This marked the creation of a visual accompaniment to his iconic song.
1977: The Stranger Success
In 1977, Billy Joel's album "The Stranger" gained immense popularity, introducing him to a wider audience. This success played a crucial role in exposing newer fans to his earlier work through the subsequent release of "Songs in the Attic."
1977: "The Stranger" Released
The year 1977 marked the release of "The Stranger," an album that would become a defining moment in Billy Joel's career. The album, produced by Phil Ramone, generated four Top-25 Billboard hits: "Just the Way You Are," "Movin' Out," "Only the Good Die Young," and "She's Always a Woman." "Just the Way You Are," dedicated to Joel's then-wife, Elizabeth Weber, earned him Grammy Awards for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
1978: "52nd Street" Released & Achieves Commercial Success
In 1978, Billy Joel released "52nd Street," an album titled after the Manhattan street renowned as the hub of CBS/Columbia's headquarters. The album sold over seven million copies and reached the top of the charts, driven by the success of hits like "My Life," "Big Shot," and "Honesty." "My Life" was notably chosen as the theme song for the television sitcom "Bosom Buddies." Moreover, "52nd Street" garnered Joel two Grammy Awards, one for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male, and the other for the coveted Album of the Year.
1978: First Billboard 200 Chart Topper
Billy Joel's album "52nd Street" reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart in 1978, marking his first album to achieve this milestone.
1979: Performance at Havana Jam Festival
Billy Joel joined a lineup of renowned artists for the historic Havana Jam festival in Havana, Cuba, in 1979. Held from March 2nd to 4th, the festival featured a diverse mix of musicians, including Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson, Stephen Stills, and various Cuban artists. His performance at this landmark event was documented in Ernesto Juan Castellanos's film "Havana Jam '79."
May 1980: "You May Be Right" Chart Success
"You May Be Right," a single from Billy Joel's album "Glass Houses," achieved significant chart success, peaking at number 7 on the Billboard charts in May 1980. The song's popularity contributed to the album's overall success.
July 1980: Songs in the Attic Release
In July 1980, Billy Joel released "Songs in the Attic," a live album featuring lesser-known songs from his early career. The album, recorded in various venues across the US, reached No. 8 on the Billboard chart and achieved significant commercial success.
July 1980: "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" Hits Number One
July 1980 saw Billy Joel achieve his first-ever Billboard Hot 100 number-one single with "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me." The song, from his album "Glass Houses," dominated the charts, remaining at the top spot for an impressive eleven weeks.
September 1980: "Don't Ask Me Why" Chart Performance
"Don't Ask Me Why," another single from "Glass Houses," secured a respectable position on the Billboard charts, reaching number 19 in September 1980. This continued the successful run of singles from the album.
November 1980: "Sometimes a Fantasy" Chart Run
In November 1980, "Sometimes a Fantasy," a single from Billy Joel's album "Glass Houses," concluded its chart run, reaching number 36 on the Billboard charts. While not as commercially successful as other singles from the album, it contributed to "Glass Houses'" extended presence on the charts.
1980: Release of "Glass Houses" and Rock Image
With the release of "Glass Houses" in 1980, Billy Joel aimed to solidify his image as a rock artist. The album included the hit single "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me."
1981: Release of "Songs in the Attic"
"She's Got a Way" and "Everybody Loves You Now" gained popularity after their live versions were included in Joel's 1981 album "Songs in the Attic."
1981: The Nylon Curtain Recording Begins
Billy Joel began recording "The Nylon Curtain" in 1981, marking a period of artistic ambition. Joel aimed to address complex themes related to the American Dream and the political climate of the Reagan era in this album.
April 15, 1982: Motorcycle Accident
On April 15, 1982, Billy Joel experienced a severe motorcycle accident on Long Island that injured his hands. This incident caused a temporary setback in the production of his album "The Nylon Curtain."
July 20, 1982: Divorce from Elizabeth Weber Small
On July 20, 1982, Billy Joel and Elizabeth Weber Small officially divorced, ending their marriage.
December 29, 1982: Live from Long Island Recording
On December 29, 1982, Billy Joel recorded his first video special, "Live from Long Island," at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This recording, later broadcast on HBO, captured a performance from his tour supporting "The Nylon Curtain."
1982: Last known live performance of "Say Goodbye to Hollywood"
The last known live performance of "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" by Billy Joel before his long hiatus from the song occurred in 1982. He wouldn't revisit the song in a live setting until many years later, finally performing it again in 2014.
1982: "52nd Street" Becomes First CD Release
Billy Joel's "52nd Street" made history in 1982 by becoming the first commercially released album on the then-new compact disc format. This pioneering release marked a significant step in the evolution of music distribution and foreshadowed the format's eventual dominance in the industry.
1982: Release of "The Nylon Curtain"
Driven by a desire to create more lyrically and musically complex music, Billy Joel released "The Nylon Curtain" in 1982.
1983: Writing of "And So It Goes"
Although written in 1983, the song "And So It Goes" was held back and later included on the album "Storm Front".
1983: An Innocent Man Release
Billy Joel released "An Innocent Man" in 1983, a critically acclaimed album paying tribute to 1950s and 1960s R&B and doo-wop music. The album's success solidified his standing in the music industry, featuring his second Billboard number-one hit, "Tell Her About It."
1983: Live from Long Island Broadcast
Billy Joel's "Live from Long Island" special, recorded at the end of his "The Nylon Curtain" tour, premiered on HBO in 1983. This marked his first foray into televised concert experiences.
1983: "Cold Spring Harbor" Remastered Release
Columbia Records released a remastered version of Joel's debut album, "Cold Spring Harbor," in 1983. This version featured alterations to some tracks, including shortening or re-orchestration.
1983: Release of "An Innocent Man"
In 1983, Billy Joel released "An Innocent Man," an album that paid homage to musical genres like rhythm and blues and doo-wop that he listened to during his youth.
1984: An Innocent Man Single Releases
Throughout 1984, Billy Joel released several successful singles from "An Innocent Man," including "The Longest Time" and "Leave a Tender Moment Alone." These releases contributed to the album's significant popularity and critical acclaim.
January 1985: "Keeping the Faith" Release and "An Innocent Man" Grammy Nomination
In January 1985, "Keeping the Faith" from the album "An Innocent Man" was released, reaching No. 18 on the charts. Additionally, the album received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
March 1985: Marriage to Christie Brinkley
In March 1985, Billy Joel married model Christie Brinkley, marking his second marriage.
December 29, 1985: Birth of Daughter Alexa Ray Joel
On December 29, 1985, Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley welcomed their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, into the world. Alexa's middle name, Ray, was a tribute to one of Joel's musical idols, Ray Charles.
1985: "We Are the World" Participation
Billy Joel participated in the USA for Africa "We Are the World" project in 1985, demonstrating his commitment to humanitarian causes and collaborating with other prominent artists.
1985: Release of "You're Only Human (Second Wind)"
In 1985, Billy Joel recorded and released the song "You're Only Human (Second Wind)" as a message intended to help prevent teen suicide.
1985: Marriage to Christie Brinkley
Billy Joel married model Christie Brinkley in 1985. Their relationship blossomed after Brinkley starred in the music video for his hit song "Uptown Girl," which ironically, was initially inspired by his then-girlfriend Elle MacPherson.
1985: Release of "Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II"
1985 saw the release of Billy Joel's compilation album, "Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II," which became one of the top-selling albums in the United States.
October 1986: Planning for Soviet Union Tour
In October 1986, Billy Joel and his team began planning a groundbreaking tour to the Soviet Union, reflecting the easing of political tensions and his pioneering spirit.
November 18, 1986: "Big Man on Mulberry Street" Featured on "Moonlighting"
On November 18, 1986, an extended version of Billy Joel's song "Big Man on Mulberry Street" was featured on an episode of the television series "Moonlighting." This placement introduced his music to a new audience.
1986: Release of "The Bridge"
"The Bridge", released in 1986, included the track "Baby Grand", a duet written by Billy Joel and Ray Charles.
1986: End of Collaboration with Phil Ramone
After a fruitful partnership spanning nearly a decade, Billy Joel's collaboration with producer Phil Ramone came to an end in 1986. Ramone had played a pivotal role in shaping Joel's sound during a period marked by immense success, having produced all of his studio albums from 1977.
1986: Contribution to "Ruthless People" Soundtrack
Billy Joel contributed to the soundtrack of the 1986 film "Ruthless People."
1986: Joel Casts Deciding Vote for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Location
In 1986, Billy Joel served on the site selection committee for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In a tie-breaking vote, Joel chose Cleveland, Ohio, over San Francisco as the location for the Hall.
July 1987: Soviet Union Tour
Billy Joel embarked on a historic tour of the Soviet Union in July 1987, performing in Moscow, Leningrad, and Tbilisi. His concerts were recorded for television and radio, making history as some of the first fully staged pop rock shows in the country.
October 1987: КОНЦЕРТ Release
In October 1987, Billy Joel released "КОНЦЕРТ," a live album capturing his performances in the Soviet Union. This album featured Russian versions of his popular songs and covers of iconic tracks like The Beatles' "Back in the U.S.S.R."
1987: Pioneering 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, following the country's decision to lift its ban on rock music.
1987: Inspiration for "Leningrad"
Billy Joel's trip to the Soviet city of Leningrad in 1987 inspired his song of the same name, featured on the "Storm Front" album.
1988: Beginning of "Storm Front" Recording
Billy Joel began recording his album "Storm Front" in 1988, marking a period of change in his career.
1988: Voiceover Work in "Oliver & Company"
Billy Joel lent his voice to the 1988 Disney animated film "Oliver & Company," performing the song "Why Should I Worry?."
1988: Voice Acting in "Oliver & Company"
In 1988, Billy Joel lent his voice to the animated film "Oliver & Company," playing the character Dodger. This marked a rare foray into voice acting, showcasing his versatility.
1988: Collaboration with Mick Jones
Seeking a new sound for "Storm Front", Billy Joel collaborated with Mick Jones of Foreigner as the album's producer in 1988.
August 1989: Dismissal of Frank Weber
In August 1989, Billy Joel dismissed his manager, Frank Weber, due to financial discrepancies.
September 1989: Release of "We Didn't Start the Fire"
"We Didn't Start the Fire", the first single from "Storm Front", was released in September 1989 and became Joel's third US number-one hit.
1989: Doug Stegmeyer Leaves Band
After a long stint with Billy Joel's band, bassist Doug Stegmeyer departed in 1989. He had joined the band in late 1974 and remained a consistent member for over a decade.
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.
1990: Release of "I Go to Extremes"
"I Go to Extremes", the second single from "Storm Front", was released in 1990 and reached No. 6 on the charts.
1992: Lawsuit Against Allen Grubman
In 1992, Billy Joel filed a lawsuit against his lawyer, Allen Grubman, alleging various offenses including fraud and malpractice.
1992: Receiving High School Diploma
Twenty-five years after leaving Hicksville High School, Billy Joel was awarded his high school diploma in 1992 after submitting essays to the school board.
1992: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Billy Joel was recognized for his songwriting achievements with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992.
1992: Contribution to "Honeymoon in Vegas" Soundtrack
Billy Joel's music was featured in the soundtrack of the 1992 film "Honeymoon in Vegas."
1992: Induction of Sam & Dave into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Billy Joel inducted the R&B duo Sam & Dave into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
1993: Completion of "River of Dreams"
Billy Joel completed his album "River of Dreams" in early 1993, featuring cover art by Christie Brinkley.
1993: Release of "River of Dreams"
Billy Joel released "River of Dreams" in 1993. Following this album, he stepped back from creating studio albums.
1993: End of Prolific Studio Album Releases
In 1993, Billy Joel released his twelfth studio album, marking the end of his consistent stream of studio album releases.
1993: Joel Inducted into Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame
In 1993, Billy Joel was recognized for his contributions to entertainment with an induction into the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame. He was the second entertainer out of thirty individuals to receive this honor.
1993: Settlement of Lawsuit
In 1993, the lawsuit filed by Billy Joel against Allen Grubman was settled out of court.
April 13, 1994: Separation Announcement
Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley announced their separation on April 13, 1994.
August 1994: Finalization of Divorce
Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley finalized their divorce in August 1994.
August 26, 1994: Divorce from Christie Brinkley
On August 26, 1994, Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley divorced, ending their marriage.
1994: Beginning of "Face to Face" Tours
Billy Joel and Elton John embarked on their first "Face to Face" tour in 1994, marking a successful collaboration.
1996: Reflection on "Storm Front"
In 1996, during a Masterclass session, Billy Joel described "Storm Front" as a turbulent album with "And So It Goes" representing the calm after the storm.
1996: Formation of the Long Island Boat Company
In 1996, Billy Joel combined his lifelong passion for boating with his entrepreneurial spirit by co-founding the Long Island Boat Company with businessman Peter Needham.
1997: Performance with Garth Brooks
Billy Joel performed with Garth Brooks at his Central Park concert in 1997.
1999: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Billy Joel was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 by Ray Charles.
1999: Joel Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Billy Joel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in 1999. The induction was performed by Ray Charles, one of Joel's major musical influences.
1999: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1999, Billy Joel's significant contributions to rock music were honored with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
December 31, 1999: Millennium Concert at Madison Square Garden
On December 31, 1999, Billy Joel performed at Madison Square Garden, with "2000 Years" prominently featured in the millennium concert.
2000: Release of "2000 Years: The Millennium Concert"
Billy Joel's performance at Madison Square Garden on December 31, 1999, billed as his last concert, was released as "2000 Years: The Millennium Concert" in 2000.
2000: Release of "2000 Years: The Millennium Concert"
The concert at Madison Square Garden on December 31, 1999, was released as "2000 Years: The Millennium Concert" in 2000.
September 21, 2001: Performance at "America: A Tribute to Heroes" Concert
On September 21, 2001, Billy Joel performed "New York State of Mind" at the "America: A Tribute to Heroes" benefit concert.
October 20, 2001: Performance at the Concert for New York City
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 on October 20, 2001.
2001: Alexander Joel's Appointment as Chief Musical Director
Billy Joel's half-brother, Alexander Joel, became the chief musical director of the Staatstheater Braunschweig in 2001.
2001: Receipt of the Johnny Mercer Award
Billy Joel's songwriting talent earned him the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001.
2001: Release of Classical Compositions Album
Diverging from his pop and rock roots, Billy Joel released a studio album in 2001 featuring his own classical compositions.
2001: Release of "The Essential Billy Joel"
A radio remix of "All About Soul" was included on "The Essential Billy Joel", released in 2001.
2001: Release of "Fantasies & Delusions"
In 2001, Billy Joel released "Fantasies & Delusions," an album featuring his classical compositions performed by pianist Richard Hyung-ki Joo.
2002: Joel Named MusiCares Person of the Year
Billy Joel received the MusiCares Person of the Year award in 2002. A tribute dinner was held in his honor, where artists such as Nelly Furtado, Stevie Wonder, Jon Bon Jovi, Diana Krall, Rob Thomas, and Natalie Cole performed renditions of his songs.
2002: Purchase of Centre Island Home
In 2002, Billy Joel purchased a house in Centre Island, New York, for US$22 million.
2002: Treatment at Silver Hill Hospital
In 2002, Billy Joel spent 10 days receiving treatment at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, a facility known for its expertise in substance abuse and psychiatric care.
2003: Induction of The Righteous Brothers into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Billy Joel inducted The Righteous Brothers into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, acknowledging their influence on his music.
2003: Success of "Face to Face" Tour
In 2003, Billy Joel and Elton John's "Face to Face" tour grossed over US$46 million in just 24 dates.
2003: Joel's Albums and Songs Featured in Rolling Stone's 'Greatest' Lists
In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine featured Billy Joel's albums and songs in their prestigious "Greatest" lists. "The Stranger" secured the 67th spot on the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list, while "52nd Street" ranked 352nd. His iconic song "Piano Man" claimed the 421st position on the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list.
September 20, 2004: Joel Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On September 20, 2004, Billy Joel was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the music industry. The star is situated at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard.
October 2, 2004: Marriage to Katie Lee
On October 2, 2004, Billy Joel, then 55, married chef Katie Lee, then 23, in his third marriage ceremony.
March 2005: Treatment for Alcohol Abuse at Betty Ford Center
In March 2005, Billy Joel checked into the Betty Ford Center, a renowned facility for addiction treatment, where he spent 30 days addressing alcohol abuse.
2005: Release of "My Lives"
A demo version of "All About Soul" was included on the compilation album "My Lives", released in 2005.
2005: Release of "My Lives" Box Set
Columbia Records released the box set "My Lives" in 2005, featuring a compilation of demos, B-sides, and a DVD from the "River of Dreams" tour.
January 7, 2006: Billy Joel's U.S. Tour Begins
On January 7, 2006, Billy Joel began a tour across the U.S., featuring songs from throughout his career, including major hits and deep cuts like 'Zanzibar' and 'All for Leyna'. This tour included 12 sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden, breaking a record previously set by Bruce Springsteen. This record earned Joel the first retired number (12) in the arena owned by a non-athlete, and a similar honor at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia for his 48 sold-out shows. This date marked the beginning of a significant tour for Joel.
June 13, 2006: Release of 12 Gardens Live
On June 13, 2006, Columbia released '12 Gardens Live', a double album containing 32 live recordings from Billy Joel's 12 different shows at Madison Square Garden during his 2006 tour. This release captured the energy and success of his record-breaking concert series.
July 31, 2006: Free Concert in Rome
On July 31, 2006, Billy Joel performed a free concert in Rome with the Colosseum as the backdrop. This performance was part of the European leg of his 2006 tour, marking his return to the United Kingdom and Ireland after many years.
October 15, 2006: Joel Inducted into Long Island Music Hall of Fame
Billy Joel was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on October 15, 2006.
2006: "The Great Wall of China" on Tour
Billy Joel's 2006 tour setlist regularly included "The Great Wall of China", a song about his former manager.
2006: Induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame
Billy Joel was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006.
February 27, 2007: Release of "All My Life"
On February 27, 2007, Billy Joel released his newest single titled 'All My Life', along with a live version of 'You're My Home' from his 2006 Madison Square Garden tour. This release marked a significant moment as it was Joel's first new song in many years.
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. The song was dedicated to servicemen in Iraq and written after Joel received numerous letters from American soldiers. The track's proceeds benefited the Homes For Our Troops foundation.
January 26, 2008: Performance with Philadelphia Orchestra
On January 26, 2008, Billy Joel performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra to celebrate the 151st anniversary of the Academy of Music. He played his classical piece 'Waltz No. 2 (Steinway Hall)' and several lesser-known songs with full orchestral backing.
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, showcasing their mutual respect and Joel's influence in the music industry.
June 19, 2008: Concert at Caesars Windsor Reopening
On June 19, 2008, Billy Joel played a concert at the grand reopening of Caesars Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The event was invite-only for Casino VIPs, and Joel's performance included humor and personal anecdotes.
December 11, 2008: Live Recording of "Christmas in Fallujah" in Sydney
On December 11, 2008, Billy Joel recorded his own rendition of 'Christmas in Fallujah' during a concert at Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia. This live single was released only in Australia and marked the only official release of Joel performing the song.
2008: Joel's Perspective on "The Bridge"
In a 2008 interview, Billy Joel expressed his dissatisfaction with his album "The Bridge." This candid admission shed light on his self-critique and artistic standards.
2008: Joel Discusses "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" in Radio Interview
In a 2008 radio interview, Billy Joel shared that he had stopped performing "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" live. He explained that the song's demanding high notes put a strain on his vocal cords, making it difficult to perform consistently.
2008: HarperCollins Acquires Rights to Joel's Memoir
In 2008, HarperCollins secured a deal worth US$3 million for the rights to publish Billy Joel's memoir.
2008: Joel Performs at Benefit Concert for Barack Obama
Although not known for publicly endorsing political candidates, in 2008, Billy Joel performed at a benefit concert alongside Bruce Springsteen to raise money for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
March 2009: Resumption of "Face to Face" Tour
Billy Joel and Elton John resumed their "Face to Face" tour in March 2009.
May 19, 2009: Liberty DeVitto's Lawsuit
On May 19, 2009, Billy Joel's former drummer, Liberty DeVitto, filed a lawsuit claiming Joel and Sony Music owed him over 10 years of royalty payments. DeVitto claimed he helped arrange several Joel songs without receiving credit.
June 17, 2009: Separation from Katie Lee
On June 17, 2009, Billy Joel and Katie Lee announced their separation, ultimately ending their five-year marriage.
2009: Beginning of Relationship with Alexis Roderick
Billy Joel and Alexis Roderick began their relationship in 2009.
February 2010: Denial of Tour Cancellation Rumors
In February 2010, Billy Joel denied rumors about canceling his summer tour with Elton John.
March 2010: Conclusion of "Face to Face" Tour
The "Face to Face" tour with Elton John concluded in March 2010 in Albany, New York.
November 2010: Opening of Motorcycle Shop in Oyster Bay
In November 2010, Billy Joel expanded his business ventures by opening a shop in Oyster Bay, Long Island. The shop specialized in manufacturing custom-made motorcycles and accessories with a retro aesthetic.
February 8, 2011: Release of Last Play at Shea Documentary
On February 8, 2011, the documentary film 'Last Play at Shea', which featured Billy Joel's final concerts at Shea Stadium before its demolition, was released on DVD. The concerts included guest performances by several notable musicians.
March 8, 2011: Release of Live at Shea Stadium CD and DVD
On March 8, 2011, the live CD and DVD 'Live at Shea Stadium', documenting Billy Joel's final concerts at Shea Stadium, were released. This release captured the historic performances and guest appearances.
March 2011: Cancellation of Autobiography "The Book of Joel: A Memoir"
Initially scheduled for release in June 2011, Billy Joel's autobiography, "The Book of Joel: A Memoir," was canceled by the artist in March 2011. Joel, who co-wrote the book with Fred Schruers, decided against publishing it and ended his deal with HarperCollins.
June 2011: Cancellation of Autobiography "The Book of Joel: A Memoir"
Initially scheduled for release in June 2011, Billy Joel's autobiography, "The Book of Joel: A Memoir," was canceled by the artist in March 2011. Joel, who co-wrote the book with Fred Schruers, decided against publishing it and ended his deal with HarperCollins.
November 2011: Re-release of Piano Man
In November 2011, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Billy Joel's debut album 'Cold Spring Harbor', 'Piano Man' was re-released in a two-disc Legacy edition. This re-release was part of a planned but not fully realized project to celebrate Joel's career.
December 12, 2011: Joel Honored with Portrait in Steinway Hall
On December 12, 2011, Billy Joel made history by becoming the first non-classical musician to be honored with a portrait displayed in Steinway Hall.
2011: Death of Howard Joel
Howard Joel, Billy Joel's father, passed away in 2011.
December 12, 2012: Concert for Sandy Relief
On December 12, 2012, Billy Joel performed at the '12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief' at Madison Square Garden. He altered the lyrics of 'Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)' to reflect the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.
2012: Publishing Agreement with Universal Music
In 2012, Billy Joel signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group and its subsidiary Rondor Music International. This agreement aimed to increase the use of Joel's music in various media and marked the first time Joel used an administrator for his catalog within the U.S. since the 1980s.
December 29, 2013: Joel Receives Kennedy Center Honors
On December 29, 2013, in Washington, D.C., Billy Joel was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors, the highest recognition in the United States for artistic contributions to American culture.
2013: Kennedy Center Honors Recognition
In 2013, Billy Joel was recognized for his lifetime artistic achievements at the Kennedy Center Honors.
December 31, 2013: New Year's Eve Concert at Barclays Center
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. This concert marked his return to the NYC arena scene.
January 27, 2014: Madison Square Garden Residency and Billy Joel in Concert Tour Launch
On January 27, 2014, Billy Joel kicked off his concert residency at Madison Square Garden, committing to playing one show per month indefinitely. This marked the beginning of his Billy Joel in Concert tour, which continued with a performance at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
May 2014: Live Performance of "Say Goodbye to Hollywood"
After a long absence from his setlist, Billy Joel performed his song "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" live at the Hollywood Bowl in May 2014. He had refrained from playing it live since 1982, citing concerns about the song's high pitch affecting his vocal cords.
July 22, 2014: Joel Announced as Recipient of Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
On July 22, 2014, the Library of Congress named Billy Joel as the sixth recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
November 2014: Joel Receives Gershwin Prize
Billy Joel received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at a ceremony in November 2014. The award was presented by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
2014: Alexander Joel's Tenure as Chief Musical Director Ends
Alexander Joel's time as the chief musical director of the Staatstheater Braunschweig concluded in 2014.
2014: Publication of Billy Joel Biography by Fred Schruers
In 2014, Fred Schruers released a biography titled "Billy Joel," which was based on his numerous personal interviews with the musician.
2014: Death of Rosalind Joel
Rosalind Joel, Billy Joel's mother, passed away in 2014.
July 4, 2015: Marriage to Alexis Roderick
On July 4, 2015, Billy Joel married Alexis Roderick, an equestrian and former Morgan Stanley executive, at his Long Island estate. The ceremony was officiated by then-Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo.
August 4, 2015: Final Concert at Nassau Coliseum Before Renovation
On August 4, 2015, Billy Joel performed at Nassau Coliseum, marking the last concert held at the venue before it underwent a major renovation.
August 12, 2015: Birth of Daughter Della Rose Joel
On August 12, 2015, Billy Joel and Alexis Roderick celebrated the birth of their daughter, Della Rose Joel.
November 2015: Listing of Manalapan Home for Sale
Initially listed for sale in November 2015 with an asking price of $19.5 million, Billy Joel's waterfront Manalapan residence was taken off the market and relisted in 2017.
2016: Joel Endorses Hillary Clinton
In 2016, despite his previous stance on not influencing his fans' political views, Billy Joel revealed in an email to the New York Daily News that he would be voting for Hillary Clinton. This followed a sarcastic dedication of his song "The Entertainer" to then-candidate Donald Trump, which was misinterpreted as an endorsement.
April 5, 2017: First Concert at Newly Renovated Nassau Coliseum and SunTrust Park Debut
Billy Joel marked two significant venue openings in April 2017. On April 5th, he had the honor of performing the first concert at the newly renovated Nassau Coliseum. Later that month, he went on to play the inaugural concert at Atlanta's brand new SunTrust Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves.
June 24, 2017: Commencement Address at Hicksville High School
On June 24, 2017, fifty years after his intended graduating class received their diplomas and 25 years after receiving his own honorary diploma, Billy Joel delivered the commencement address at Hicksville High School.
October 22, 2017: Birth of Daughter Remy Anne Joel
On October 22, 2017, Billy Joel and Alexis Roderick welcomed their second daughter, Remy Anne Joel.
2017: Re-listing of Manalapan Home with Reduced Price
After being taken off the market, Billy Joel's Manalapan home was relisted in 2017 with a reduced asking price of $18.5 million.
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2017: Release of "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)"
The song "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)" was released as part of Billy Joel's album "Turnstiles" in 1976. The song depicts a fictional account of New York City's downfall and eventual resurgence.
July 18, 2018: New York State Celebrates Billy Joel Day
July 18, 2018, was proclaimed as Billy Joel Day in New York state by Governor Andrew Cuomo. This marked a momentous occasion as it coincided with Joel's 100th performance at Madison Square Garden.
2018: Further Price Reduction of Manalapan Home
The asking price for Billy Joel's Manalapan property was further reduced to $16.9 million in 2018.
2019: Historic Concert Announcement at Camden Yards
In 2019, Billy Joel announced he would be performing at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, making it the first-ever concert to be held at the baseball stadium.
January 2020: Sale of Manalapan Home
In January 2020, Billy Joel sold his 13,200-square-foot property in Manalapan for US$10.3 million.
March 2020: Concert Postponements Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Billy Joel was forced to postpone his scheduled concerts between March 2020 and August 2021 as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
August 2021: Concert Postponements Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Billy Joel was forced to postpone his scheduled concerts between March 2020 and August 2021 as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
2022: "Vienna" Garners Streaming Popularity
By 2022, "Vienna," a track from Billy Joel's 1977 album "The Stranger," had established itself as one of his most streamed songs online. The song, a personal favorite of Joel's, reflects on themes of patience, perspective, and embracing life's journey.
June 1, 2023: Announcement of Madison Square Garden Residency Conclusion
On June 1, 2023, Billy Joel revealed that his long-running residency at Madison Square Garden would come to an end in July 2024. The final show, marking his 104th performance in the series and 150th lifetime performance at the venue, signifies the end of an era.
October 19, 2023: Street Renamed in Joel's Honor
A part of Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay, Billy Joel's hometown, was renamed "Billy Joel Way" in his honor on October 19, 2023.
2023: Joint Concert Tour Announcement with Stevie Nicks
Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks announced their plans to embark on a series of joint concerts across the United States in 2023, with a tentative start date of March 10th at SoFi Stadium outside of Los Angeles.
2023: Listing of Sag Harbor Home for Sale
In 2023, Billy Joel listed his home in Sag Harbor for sale with an asking price of $49 million.
January 22, 2024: Announcement of New Single "Turn the Lights Back On"
On January 22, 2024, Billy Joel surprised fans with the announcement of his first new pop single in years, "Turn the Lights Back On." The song, only his second pop release in over two decades, was set to be released on February 1st.
April 14, 2024: CBS Celebrates Joel's 100th Madison Square Garden Performance
On April 14, 2024, CBS aired a special program commemorating Billy Joel's 100th performance at Madison Square Garden. An encore presentation was broadcast on April 19.
July 2024: Announcement of Madison Square Garden Residency Conclusion
On June 1, 2023, Billy Joel revealed that his long-running residency at Madison Square Garden would come to an end in July 2024. The final show, marking his 104th performance in the series and 150th lifetime performance at the venue, signifies the end of an era.
2024: Release of "Turn the Lights Back On"
Billy Joel returned to composing new music in 2024 with the release of the single "Turn the Lights Back On."
2024: Joel Honored on "The Masked Singer"
The Masked Singer Season 11 paid tribute to Billy Joel with a special episode titled "Group C Premiere: Billy Joel Night." Contestants on the episode performed songs from his discography.