Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 2 Location: Missouri
Billy Joel « Thread Started on Dec 18, 2006, 1:27pm »
Being a bit of an aficionado regarding the awesome work of Billy Joel, let's start this Classic Pop section with a discussion on him and his work.
Who out there is a fan, and why?
What attracts you to the music of Billy Joel?
How long have you been a fan?
Which are you into the most - the music, or the lyrics - or perhaps both?
As for me, I became familiar with Billy and his music only after he released The Stranger LP. Just The Way You Are got a lot of airplay here in my part of the US, and I liked what I heard, a lot. I had actually heard the song The Entertainer, but didn't really accredit the song to Billy - just heard the song, but didn't much pay attention to "who" the artist who wrote it, was.
It wasn't until after Just The Way You Are was released, and then the string of other hits were released from The Stranger LP that I became familiar enough with the music to call myself a fan, but boy, did that ever change things. I began finding all of the other music up to this point that Billy had written and performed, including his time with the Hassles, and the other bands/groups he appeared with.
I have been to about 15 of his concerts, now - and feel fortunate to get to see him again in April of 2007. Very excited about THAT, I can tell you.
I met Billy in 2001 when he was on tour with Elton John, towards the last leg of their face-to-face tour. Billy is quite a guy - genuine in every way, and a most gracious fellow. He was just fun to talk to and get to know a bit more.
Are you a fan? Let me hear your Billy Joel stories, and do ask questions - I will try and get you the right answers.
Thanks for the opportunity to moderate the Classisc Pop portion of the forum, Rick. Good to be here.
Re: Billy Joel « Reply #1 on Dec 18, 2006, 11:17pm »
Hi Tim... thanks for starting this great thread.
Billy Joel first came to my attention in 1977 when a high school friend of mine played the song "Captain Jack" for me. I immediately came to love the song. Soon after that I heard "Just The Way You Are" - which I thought was a pretty good song - but still enjoyed "Piano Man" much better. Once "Movin' Out" was released and hit the airwaves I was sold for good. I quickly went out and bought the album "The Stranger" which became an ultimate favorite - I must have played that album thousands of times over the next few years. I love every song from that album - though my favorite song is the title track "The Stranger" - it has such a mystique and I love the lyric.
Next came "52nd Street" - that was an equally exciting album - and the song "Honesty" is honestly a fantastic number. After that I continued to buy his albums for several more years.
My favorite Billy Joel songs are: "Captain Jack" "The Piano Man" "Movin' Out" "The Stranger" "Big Shot" "My Life" "Honesty" "It's Still Rock And Roll To Me" "Pressure" "The River Of Dreams"
With Billy Joel it's a combination of the lyrics, the music and the vocals. I find him to be quite talented in all areas.
Joined: Apr 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 16 Location: Ajax, Ontario
Re: Billy Joel « Reply #2 on Apr 9, 2007, 1:55pm »
Billy Joel is a great pianist indeed.. Has many great songs that you don't get tired of hearing.
This guy on YOUTUBE does a great job with several Billy Joel songs.. He picked up some Supertramp songs from me, and I am picking up some piano style techniques from him. The Billy Joel song covers are simply amazing..
Piano man cover.. browse his songs, also does Vienna and some others.. You will be impressed.. he has a great voice as well...
Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 2 Location: Missouri
Re: Billy Joel « Reply #3 on Jan 2, 2008, 4:43pm »
Thanks for that, TabGuy. Nice to have you here.
I was absent much of the past year, but this year plan to be around for some good discussion about various topics.
I did get to see Billy in concert again this year. His show was outstanding. I actually thought Billy was in better voice this year than he has been for the past few. He really seemed to have an great amount of energy, and he threw himself into every single song he sang. It was awesome. I never tire of watching him perform, and I've seen him at least 14 or 15 times live, now.
I've actually been talking with James Fox who comes from across the pond (England), and who was chosen as one of the PIANO MEN in the Billy Joel/Twyla Tharpe musical, Movin' Out. James performed Movin' Out in London, and he was on the road with it for a while. He's such a fan of Billy Joel. You can tell by listening to him and his own music that he was HIGHLY influenced by Billy, too. He'll tell you that's his biggest influence to this date.
More good stuff on Billy? Post it right here.
Until next time, I remain the Piano Man's #1 FAN, Tim
![[Home]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/menu/home.gif)
![[Help]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/menu/help.gif)
![[Search]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/menu/search.gif)
![[Login]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/menu/login.gif)
![[Register]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/menu/register.gif)
![[Search This Thread]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/search2.gif)
![[Send Topic To Friend]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/buttons/sendtopic.gif)
![[Print]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/buttons/print.gif)
Author
Logged
![[avatar]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/RickHenry/Rick.jpg)
![[homepage]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/buttons/www_sm.gif)
