Billy Joel's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Billy Joel. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1977: Success of The Stranger

In 1977, Billy Joel's "The Stranger" became a smash album and introduced many fans to his earlier compositions.

1978: Release of 52nd Street

In 1978, Billy Joel released "52nd Street", named after Manhattan's 52nd Street, which housed the headquarters of CBS/Columbia. The album, featuring hits like "My Life", "Big Shot", and "Honesty", reached number one and sold over seven million copies. It also won Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male and Album of the Year.

Loading Video...

July 1980: "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" hits No. 1

In July 1980, Billy Joel's song "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart, becoming his first number-one single.

Loading Video...

1983: Release of "An Innocent Man"

In 1983, Billy Joel released "An Innocent Man", which paid tribute to R&B and doo-wop music. The album included "Tell Her About It", which became his second Billboard number-one hit.

Loading Video...

July 1987: Touring the Soviet Union

In July 1987, Billy Joel, his family, and his band toured the Soviet Union, with concerts being simulcast on radio around the world, marking the first live rock radio broadcast in Soviet history.

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.

Loading Video...

January 1990: Awarded 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, after suing him for fraud.

1992: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

In 1992, Billy Joel inducted the R&B duo Sam & Dave into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. That year, Joel also started work on River of Dreams.

1993: Lawsuit Settled

In the fall of 1993, Billy Joel's lawsuit against Allen Grubman was settled out of court for US$3 million, paid by Sony America to protect Sony Music's interests.

1999: Induction into Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame

In 1999, Billy Joel was inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. Ray Charles made the induction speech.

2003: Face to Face Tour Success

In 2003, Billy Joel and Elton John's "Face to Face" tour grossed over US$46 million in just 24 dates.

2003: Induction of The Righteous Brothers

In 2003, Billy Joel inducted The Righteous Brothers into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and noted that his song "Until the Night" from the album 52nd Street was a tribute to the duo.

January 7, 2006: U.S. Tour Begins

On January 7, 2006, Billy Joel began a tour across the U.S., featuring songs from throughout his career. His tour included 12 sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden, breaking a record previously set by Bruce Springsteen.

March 10, 2008: Induction of John Mellencamp

On March 10, 2008, Billy Joel inducted his friend John Mellencamp into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

July 2008: Sold-out Concerts at Mohegan Sun Casino

From May to July 2008, Billy Joel sold out 10 concerts at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, and was honored with a banner displaying his name and the number 10.

April 2010: Lawsuit Resolved Amicably

In April 2010, Billy Joel and Liberty DeVitto amicably resolved the lawsuit.

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.

July 22, 2014: Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

On July 22, 2014, the Library of Congress announced that Billy Joel would be the sixth recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

November 2014: Receiving the Gershwin Prize

In November 2014, Billy Joel received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at a performance ceremony from James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

July 18, 2018: Billy Joel Day in New York

On July 18, 2018, Governor Andrew Cuomo proclaimed the date to be Billy Joel Day in New York state to mark Billy Joel's 100th performance at Madison Square Garden.