Billy Joel

Billy Joel is a Grammy-winning songwriter and pianist. Joel demonstrated an interest in music early on and began playing the piano at age 4. He dropped out of high school to pursue music and had a brief stint with a few rock groups before making the decision to become a soloist.

Joel released his debut album, Cold Spring Harbor, in 1971 to little success. The following year, a performance of an original song gained him the attention of Columbia Records. He earned a record deal with the company and struck gold with the release of his sophomore album Piano Man (1973). He further solidified his status in the mainstream with his following releases Streetlife Serenade (1974) and Turnstiles (1976).

In 1977, the pianist released his album The Stranger, and this release won him two Grammys and became Columbia Records best selling album at the time. Throughout his career, he released a number of American classics, including “Uptown Girl” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” He has been recognized for his significant influence over rock and roll over the years, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

Some of his later works include River of Dreams (1993) and Fantasies & Delusions (2003). In 2014, he announced a residency at Madison Square Garden, where he performed once a month until its end in July 2024.

Joel was wed to Elizabeth Weber Small from 1973 to 1982. Following their split, he married Christie Brinkley in 1985. Brinkley gave birth to daughter Alexa Ray Joel later that year; the couple divorced in 1994. He then was married to Katie Lee from 2004 to 2009.

In 2015, the singer tied the knot with Alexis Roderick. The couple share daughters Della Rose (born in 2015) and Remy Anne (born in 2017).