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The Piano Man recorded his introductory album at the age of 14. Here’s a look at his career and 20 greatest hits. William Martin Joel was born in Hicksville, Long Island, New York in 1949. In 1964, he joined his original band, The Echoes, at the age of 14. The Echoes became The Emeralds in 1965 and then the Lost Souls. After joining the Long Island group, The Hassels in the late 60′s, they freed two albums and four singles. Joel and Hassels drummer Jon Small formed Attila, but they disbanded after only one album. Billy Joel went solo and signed with the Family Productions label in 1971 and freed one album, “Cold Spring Harbor,” named after a Long Island town. However, this album likewise went unnoticed. Joel moved to California in 1972 and did a gig at a piano bar on Wilshire Boulevard, where he composed his classic tune, “Piano Man.” Columbia Records executive, Herb Gordon, became conscious of Joel’s talent and signed him to a recording contract, freeing his introductory album, “Piano Man.” The title track was freed as a single in 1974 and gave Joel his introductory top 40 hit, making it to #25 on the on a weekly basis Billboard charts. Joel followed that album with “The Entertainer”, freeing the title track and giving him his second top 40 single in 1975. When Joel teamed up with producer Phil Ramone, the album “the Stranger” was recorded and that’s when the hits started coming. Billy Joel went top 40 over 30 times on the Billboard singles charts, topping the charts three times. Here are Billy Joel’s 20 greatest hits, according to Billboard magazine: 1. It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me – 1980 – his introductory number one single. 2. We Didn’t Start The Fire – 1989 3. Tell Her About It – 1983 4. Just The Way You Are – 1978 – written for his wife, at the time, Elizabeth and won Grammy’s Record of the Year and Song of the Year. 5. My Life – 1979 – employed as the opening theme to the sitcom “Bosom Buddies” starring Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari. 6. Uptown Girl – 1983 – written in regards to future wife Christie Brinkley. 7. The River Of Dreams – 1993 – Joel’s last hit to make it into the Top 10. 8. I Go To Extremes – 1990 9. You May Be Right – 1980 – covered by Southside Johnny and employed for the opening theme for the CBS sitcom, “Dave’s World.” 10. You’re Only Human (Second Wind) – 1985 – one of two singles recorded exceptionally to be included in the Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2 album. 11. An Innocent Man – 1984 – the title track from the album that was written as a tribute to the music of the 1950′s and 1960′s. 12. A Matter Of Trust – 1986 - 13. Modern Woman – 1986 – included in the film “Ruthless People” starring Bette Midler and Danny DeVito. 14. The Longest Time – 1984 15. Big Shot – 1979 16. Allentown – 1983 – from the Nylon Curtain album. 17. She’s Always A Woman – 1978 – One of four top 25 singles from “The Stranger” album. 18. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) – 1978 19. Say Goodbye To Hollywood – 1981 – from the “Songs In The Attic” album. 20. This Is The Time – 1987 – a bestloved on the prom circuit. Billy Joel was involved in a severe motorcycle accident in 1982. In 1985, he married supermodel, Christie Brinkley. He was the firstborn American rock act to carry out in Russia, in 1987, since before the Berlin Wall was constructed. Billy Joel won Grammy’s Legend Award in 1990 and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1999. He still tours today, now and then with Elton John. |
