“I
think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity.
It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from,
everyone loves music.” – Billy Joel
Born on this day in 1949, American pianist,
singer-songwriter and a composer Billy Joel first hit the big time with his
autobiographical "Piano Man” in 1973.
Since then he has sold more than 150 million records worldwide, in the
process becoming the 6th best-selling recording artist and the 3rd best-selling
solo artist of all time. Joel has had 33
Top 40 hits in the U.S., and many others around the globe. He is a 6-time Grammy Award winner (nominated
23 times).
Joel has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, and been the recipient of a Kennedy Center Award, the nation's highest honor for influencing American culture through the arts.
A New York City native, Joel said he
is proud that his words and music have been so well-received by a diverse and
broad-based audience. “Musicians want to
be the loud voice for so many quiet hearts,” he said.
As for advice to up-and-coming songwriters, he says, “Don't make music for some vast, unseen audience or market or ratings share or even for something as tangible as money. Though it's crucial to make a living, that shouldn't be your inspiration. Do it for yourself.”
Here’s a link to some of my favorite
Joel songs (Especialy check out, "You May Be Right"). Happy Birthday Billy!
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