Billy Joel

Billy Joel is an American singer, pianist, and songwriter best known for his pop and rock hits beginning in the 1970s.

Billy Joel is an American singer, pianist, and songwriter known for pop and rock hits since the 1970s. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide and remains a major concert draw.

What it is

Billy Joel, born William Martin Joel in the Bronx, New York, on May 9, 1949, is a celebrated musician in the pop and rock genres. His career took off in the 1970s with songs like "Piano Man" and "Just the Way You Are," and he continued producing hits through the 1980s, including "We Didn't Start the Fire."

Key details

Joel has won six Grammy Awards and been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After largely stopping new pop studio albums in the 1990s, he maintained a strong live performance career, touring extensively into the 21st century.

Why it matters

Billy Joel's music remains a staple on radio and in concert venues across North America, including Canada. His catalogue is familiar to Canadian audiences through classic rock and pop programming, and his enduring popularity highlights his influence on modern music.