How Billy Joel Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

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Billy Joel

How the contributions of Billy Joel continue to shape the world today.

William Martin Joel, known as Billy Joel, is a highly successful American singer-songwriter and pianist, achieving fame as a solo artist in the 1970s. His signature song, "Piano Man," gave him his nickname. He released 12 studio albums between 1971 and 1993, primarily in the pop and rock genres, and a classical album in 2001. With over 160 million records sold globally, he is among the best-selling music artists worldwide and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the U.S. His 1985 "Greatest Hits Vol. I & II" is a top-selling album in the United States.

2008: Joel expresses dislike for The Bridge album

In 2008, Billy Joel stated in an interview that he does not think "The Bridge" is a good album.

December 29, 2013: Kennedy Center Honors

On December 29, 2013, Billy Joel received Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., the nation's highest honor for influencing American culture through the arts.

2022: "Vienna" becomes one of Joel's most streamed songs

As of 2022, "Vienna" has become one of Billy Joel's most streamed songs on the internet.

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October 19, 2023: "Billy Joel Way" Renaming

On October 19, 2023, a portion of Audrey Avenue in Billy Joel's hometown of Oyster Bay was renamed "Billy Joel Way" in honor of the musician.