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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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".
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.
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.
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: 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.
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: Induction into Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 1992, Billy Joel was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to music.
1993: Induction into Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame
In 1993, Billy Joel was the second entertainer to be inducted into the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame.
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.
1999: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1999, Billy Joel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland by Ray Charles, one of his musical influences.
2001: Johnny Mercer Award
In 2001, Billy Joel received the Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame, celebrating his songwriting achievements.
2002: MusiCares Person of the Year
Billy Joel was named MusiCares Person of the Year for 2002, and various artists performed his songs at the dinner honoring him.
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.
2003: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums List
In 2003, Rolling Stone included The Stranger at number 67, and 52nd Street at number 352, on their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
September 20, 2004: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
On September 20, 2004, Billy Joel received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in the music industry.
October 15, 2006: Induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame
On October 15, 2006, Billy Joel was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.
2006: Induction into Long Island Music Hall of Fame
In 2006, Billy Joel was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, honoring his local roots and impact on 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.
December 12, 2011: Portrait in Steinway Hall
On December 12, 2011, Billy Joel became the first non-classical musician honored with a portrait in Steinway Hall.
December 29, 2013: Kennedy Center Honors
On December 29, 2013, Billy Joel received Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C.
2013: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2013, Billy Joel was recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors, celebrating his lifetime contributions to American culture.
July 22, 2014: Recipient of the Gershwin Prize
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: Gershwin Prize Award Ceremony
In November 2014, Billy Joel received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at a performance ceremony from the Librarian of Congress and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
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.
July 18, 2018: Billy Joel Day in New York State
On July 18, 2018, Governor Andrew Cuomo proclaimed the date to be Billy Joel Day in New York State to mark his 100th performance at Madison Square Garden.
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 his honor.
2024: Honored on "The Masked Singer"
In 2024, Billy Joel was honored in "Group C Premiere: Billy Joel Night," on The Masked Singer Season 11, where contestants sang his songs.
