Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter and pianist who was born on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York. He began playing piano at a young age and was influenced by classical music, as well as the popular music of the 1950s and 60s.
Joel began his career in the music industry in the late 1960s as a member of various bands, including The Hassles and Attila. However, it wasn't until the release of his breakthrough album, Piano Man, in 1973, that he achieved mainstream success. The album featured the hit singles "Piano Man" and "Captain Jack" and established Joel as a talented songwriter and pianist.
Over the next decade, Joel released a string of successful albums, including Streetlife Serenade, The Stranger, and 52nd Street, which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1980. His songs, such as "Just the Way You Are," "Uptown Girl," and "We Didn't Start the Fire," became anthems of a generation and remain popular to this day.
In addition to his success as a musician, Joel has also been involved in various philanthropic causes throughout his career. He has donated millions of dollars to charitable organizations, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Save the Music Foundation.
Despite his many years in the music industry, Joel remains a beloved and influential figure in pop music. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His legacy as a singer-songwriter and pianist is a testament to his enduring talent and appeal.
