Billy Joel's Life in Photos

Mar. 15, 2025

Billy Joel performs in Las Vegas on Nov. 9, 2024.Photo:Ethan Miller/Getty

Ethan Miller/Getty

AsTony Bennettaptly put it,Billy Joelis “today’s American songbook.“The singer-songwriter, who started playing piano when he was 4, has penned timeless hits over his six-decade career, including “New York State of Mind” and “Vienna.” Famously called the “Piano Man” — after the title track of his second album — Joel is a five-timeGrammy Awardwinner, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a Kennedy Center honoree.He is also the father of threedaughters:Alexa Ray, whom he shares with ex-wifeChristie Brinkley, and Della Rose and Remy Anne with wifeAlexis Roderick.See Joel’s life and accomplished music career in photos, fromThe Strangerto a 10-year Madison Square Garden residency, as he kicks of 2025 with a New Year’s Eve concert in Elmont, New York.

AsTony Bennettaptly put it,Billy Joelis “today’s American songbook.”

The singer-songwriter, who started playing piano when he was 4, has penned timeless hits over his six-decade career, including “New York State of Mind” and “Vienna.” Famously called the “Piano Man” — after the title track of his second album — Joel is a five-timeGrammy Awardwinner, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a Kennedy Center honoree.

He is also the father of threedaughters:Alexa Ray, whom he shares with ex-wifeChristie Brinkley, and Della Rose and Remy Anne with wifeAlexis Roderick.

See Joel’s life and accomplished music career in photos, fromThe Strangerto a 10-year Madison Square Garden residency, as he kicks of 2025 with a New Year’s Eve concert in Elmont, New York.

01of 12Billy Joel’s ChildhoodBilly Joel in 1970.Richard E. Aaron/RedfernsWilliam Martin Joel was born on May 9, 1949, in New York City’s Bronx neighborhood to Rosalind and classical pianist Howard Joel. He began studying piano at age 4, and as a teenager, he played at a piano bar to support his sister Judith and single mother financially.Due to his job, Joel’s school attendance and grades began to slip. When he couldn’t graduate high school in 1967, he decided to pursue a music career instead.

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Billy Joel’s Childhood

Billy Joel in 1970.Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

Richard E. Aaron/Redferns

William Martin Joel was born on May 9, 1949, in New York City’s Bronx neighborhood to Rosalind and classical pianist Howard Joel. He began studying piano at age 4, and as a teenager, he played at a piano bar to support his sister Judith and single mother financially.

Due to his job, Joel’s school attendance and grades began to slip. When he couldn’t graduate high school in 1967, he decided to pursue a music career instead.

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Billy Joel’s Early Career and Attila

Billy Joel and drummer Jon Small of the rock band Attila.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

While in high school, Joel joined British Invasion cover band the Echoes, but he left for another group, the Hassles, who were based out of Long Island. In 1969, Joel and Hassles drummer Jon Small broke off from the band to form the rock duoAttila. They released one album, a self-titled record that Joel later labeled “psychedelic bull—” and “a colossal failure” toAlec BaldwinforNPR

The short-lived band broke up one year later, and Joel married Small’s ex-wife Elizabeth Weber in 1973. They remained together for nine years, and he dedicated some of his most famous love songs to her, including “She’s Got a Way” and “Just the Way You Are.”

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Billy Joel’s Breakthrough

His fifth studio album, 1977’sThe Stranger, became his first major commercial success, peaking at No. 2 on theBillboard200 and charting four songs on theBillboardHot 100. “Just the Way You Are” won him record of the year and song of the year at the 21st Annual Grammy Awards, his first of five. The LP also produced some of Joel’s career favorites, “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and “Vienna.”

He built on his growing popularity with 1978’s52nd Street, which became his first No. 1 album and sold over seven million copies.

04of 12Billy Joel Wins Album of the Year for ‘52nd Street’Billy Joel holds his Grammy Award in N.Y.C. on Feb. 25, 1981.AP PhotoJoel won album of the year for52nd Streetat the 22nd Annual Grammy Awards, along with best male pop vocal performance. He did not attend the ceremony, with producer Phil Ramone accepting the accolades on his behalf.His most recent Grammy came the following year for best male rock vocal performance with his albumGlass Houses. In total, the “Uptown Girl” singer has a total of 23 nominations.

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Billy Joel Wins Album of the Year for ‘52nd Street’

Billy Joel holds his Grammy Award in N.Y.C. on Feb. 25, 1981.AP Photo

AP Photo

Joel won album of the year for52nd Streetat the 22nd Annual Grammy Awards, along with best male pop vocal performance. He did not attend the ceremony, with producer Phil Ramone accepting the accolades on his behalf.

His most recent Grammy came the following year for best male rock vocal performance with his albumGlass Houses. In total, the “Uptown Girl” singer has a total of 23 nominations.

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Billy Joel’s Marriage to Christie Brinkley

Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley in 1993.Robin Platzer/IMAGES/Getty

“She sat down and started singing, too,” he recalled toRolling Stonein a 1986 interview. “I got a crush on her right then and there.”

After two years of dating, he popped the question to Brinkley in their home.PEOPLE reportedthat Joel and Brinkley married on March 23, 1985, aboard a 147-foot yacht in New York Harbor. They welcomed their only daughter Alexa Ray in December 1985.

PEOPLE reported in April 1994that Joel and Brinkley had decided to divorce after nine years together, having been separated since Thanksgiving of 1993. She revealed that her marriage with Joel “pretty much disintegrated the last two years,” with Brinkley wanting to move closer to California and Joel wanting to stay on the East Coast. The supermodel also expressed frustration with the rock star’s touring schedule.

06of 12Touring the Soviet UnionBilly Joel performs in Moscow in 1987.Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyWith three shows in Moscow and Leningrad in 1987, Joel was touted as the first American pop star to bring a “full staged rock show to the Soviet Union,” according toEntertainment Weekly. At the time, the country had lifted its ban on rock music. He paid the entire $2.5 million bill for the six shows, and although he never turned a profit — despite a live album, HBO special and a documentary — Joel has no regrets.“I’m glad we did that trip,” Joel toldUltimate Classic Rockin 2022. “I think we helped kick the door in a little bit to open it up to Democratic stuff.”

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Touring the Soviet Union

Billy Joel performs in Moscow in 1987.Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

With three shows in Moscow and Leningrad in 1987, Joel was touted as the first American pop star to bring a “full staged rock show to the Soviet Union,” according toEntertainment Weekly. At the time, the country had lifted its ban on rock music. He paid the entire $2.5 million bill for the six shows, and although he never turned a profit — despite a live album, HBO special and a documentary — Joel has no regrets.

“I’m glad we did that trip,” Joel toldUltimate Classic Rockin 2022. “I think we helped kick the door in a little bit to open it up to Democratic stuff."

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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Billy Joel, Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen at the 1999 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.KMazur/WireImage

KMazur/WireImage

In his speech, the pianist thanked his mother Rosalind, daughter Alexa and then-girlfriend Carolyn Beegan, as well as his longtime band members and collaborators.

“I’ve had the most amazing life, and it’s mostly because of rock-and-roll music,” he stated.

He also expressed gratitude for Black artists like Charles,Little RichardandChuck Berrywho pioneered the rock-and-roll genre.

“I’ve been referred to as derivative. Well, I’m damn guilty. I’m derivative as hell!” Joel said. “Anyone who is derivative like I’m derivative, who should be automatically excluded from this institution, would mean that there wouldn’t be any white people here.”

08of 12Billy Joel’s Marriage to Katie LeeBilly Joel and Katie Lee in September 2006.Shawn Ehlers/WireImageFood Network starKatie Leefirst crossed paths with Joel at a bar in 2003. A year later, the two tied the knot at his Long Island home, with his daughter Alexa serving as the maid of honor.The pairseparated in 2009. At the time, a statement from both Joel and Lee’s reps said, “This decision is a result of much thoughtful consideration. Billy & Katie remain caring friends with admiration and respect for each other.”According to Fred Schuers’Billy Joel: A Definitive Biography, Joel knew the marriage was over after she changed the subject when he suggested couples therapy.

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Billy Joel’s Marriage to Katie Lee

Billy Joel and Katie Lee in September 2006.Shawn Ehlers/WireImage

Food Network starKatie Leefirst crossed paths with Joel at a bar in 2003. A year later, the two tied the knot at his Long Island home, with his daughter Alexa serving as the maid of honor.

The pairseparated in 2009. At the time, a statement from both Joel and Lee’s reps said, “This decision is a result of much thoughtful consideration. Billy & Katie remain caring friends with admiration and respect for each other.”

According to Fred Schuers’Billy Joel: A Definitive Biography, Joel knew the marriage was over after she changed the subject when he suggested couples therapy.

09of 12Kennedy Center HonoreeShirley MacLaine, Billy Joel and Herbie Hancock attend the 2013 Kennedy Center Honorees in December 2013 in Washington, D.C.Kristoffer Tripplaar-Pool/GettyIn 2013, Joel was recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors alongsideCarlos Santana,Shirley MacLaine,Herbie Hancockand Martina Arroyo for his contributions to American culture. Tony Bennett, a 2005 honoree, introduced Joel with a speech highlighting the singer-songwriter’s accomplishments.“Billy Joel is no less than a poet, a performer, a philosopher and today’s American songbook,” Bennett declared.Don Henley,Garth BrooksandRufus Wainwrightperformed a 15-minute tribute to Joel, covering his songs “She’s Got a Way,” “Allentown,” “Goodnight Saigon,” “New York State of Mind” and “Piano Man.”

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Kennedy Center Honoree

Shirley MacLaine, Billy Joel and Herbie Hancock attend the 2013 Kennedy Center Honorees in December 2013 in Washington, D.C.Kristoffer Tripplaar-Pool/Getty

Kristoffer Tripplaar-Pool/Getty

In 2013, Joel was recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors alongsideCarlos Santana,Shirley MacLaine,Herbie Hancockand Martina Arroyo for his contributions to American culture. Tony Bennett, a 2005 honoree, introduced Joel with a speech highlighting the singer-songwriter’s accomplishments.

“Billy Joel is no less than a poet, a performer, a philosopher and today’s American songbook,” Bennett declared.

Don Henley,Garth BrooksandRufus Wainwrightperformed a 15-minute tribute to Joel, covering his songs “She’s Got a Way,” “Allentown,” “Goodnight Saigon,” “New York State of Mind” and “Piano Man.”

10of 12Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden ResidencyBilly Joel performs at Madison Square Garden in August 2022 in N.Y.C.Kevin Mazur/GettyStarting in January 2014, Joel played one show per month at Madison Square Garden. After 10 years of monthly concerts, the legendary musicianannouncedthat his July 25, 2024, show — and 150th at the venue — would be his last of the residency.In a statement, he said he was “flabbergasted” at the residency’s longevity and called the arena “home.”“If you Google Billy Joel’s house, they show Madison Square Garden, which is kind of cool,” he added.Throughout his residency, he invited numerous stars to perform with him, from Springsteen,StingandJohn MellencamptoOlivia Rodrigo,Miley CyrusandJohn Mayer.

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Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden Residency

Billy Joel performs at Madison Square Garden in August 2022 in N.Y.C.Kevin Mazur/Getty

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Starting in January 2014, Joel played one show per month at Madison Square Garden. After 10 years of monthly concerts, the legendary musicianannouncedthat his July 25, 2024, show — and 150th at the venue — would be his last of the residency.

In a statement, he said he was “flabbergasted” at the residency’s longevity and called the arena “home.”

“If you Google Billy Joel’s house, they show Madison Square Garden, which is kind of cool,” he added.

Throughout his residency, he invited numerous stars to perform with him, from Springsteen,StingandJohn MellencamptoOlivia Rodrigo,Miley CyrusandJohn Mayer.

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Billy Joel’s Marriage to Alexis Roderick

Alexis Roderick, Billy Joel, Della Joel and Remy Joel at the Grammys on Feb. 4, 2024.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

They welcomed their first child shortly after the nuptials, daughterDella. In 2017, they had another daughter,Remy.

He keeps details of their relationship relatively private, but during hisfinal Madison Square Garden residency show, he dedicated the song “This Is the Time” to his “lovely wife” Roderick, who requested it.

12of 12Billy Joel as a DadBilly Joel and daughter Alexa Ray perform at Madison Square Garden on April 26, 2024, in N.Y.C.Taylor Hill/GettyA father of three daughters, Joel never shies away from showing his love for them — and is more than happy toshare the stage with them. Alexa, a singer and songwriter in her own right, has performed with Joel on many occasions, while Della has performed “Don’t Ask Me” with her father twice at MSG.During his final Madison Square Garden concert, Della and Remy stole the show when they joined him onstage for hugs. As he performed “My Life,” Della sang and danced along. Before they exited, she took the mic and shouted, “Thank you Madison Square Garden!”Kevin Mazur/Getty“I still love being a dad,” Joel toldRolling Stonein 2019. “I didn’t know that I would be a father again at this age, but I’m glad I am. They keep you young.”

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Billy Joel as a Dad

Billy Joel and daughter Alexa Ray perform at Madison Square Garden on April 26, 2024, in N.Y.C.Taylor Hill/Getty

Taylor Hill/Getty

A father of three daughters, Joel never shies away from showing his love for them — and is more than happy toshare the stage with them. Alexa, a singer and songwriter in her own right, has performed with Joel on many occasions, while Della has performed “Don’t Ask Me” with her father twice at MSG.

During his final Madison Square Garden concert, Della and Remy stole the show when they joined him onstage for hugs. As he performed “My Life,” Della sang and danced along. Before they exited, she took the mic and shouted, “Thank you Madison Square Garden!”

“I still love being a dad,” Joel toldRolling Stonein 2019. “I didn’t know that I would be a father again at this age, but I’m glad I am. They keep you young.”

source: people.com