William “Bill” Martin Joel (b.1949) is an American pop singer, singer-songwriter, and pianist. This third bestselling solo artist in American recording history has been nominated for eighteen Grammy Awards and has won six times.
Born in New York City’s Bronx, Joel is the son of a Holocaust survivor who came to New York by way of Cuba. The title track to Piano Man became a Top 30 single in 1973 and laid the foundation for his highly successful recording career.
Joel’s hit songs include “Piano Man” (1973,) “Just the Way You Are” (1977,) “Tell Her About It” (1983,) “We Didn’t Start the Fire” (1989,) and “The River of Dreams” (1993.) Many of his songs contain references to specific places and landmarks in New York and Long Island and have become local anthems.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Billy Joel
I’ve come to realize that life is not a musical comedy, it’s a Greek tragedy.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Tragedy
I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints—The sinners are much more fun.
—Billy Joel
You’re not the only one who’s made mistakes, but they’re the only things that you can truly call your own.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Mistakes
If I need a cause for celebration Or a comfort I can use to ease my mind I rely on my imagination And I dream of an imaginary time.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Celebration
Like a boxer in a title fight, you have to walk in that ring alone.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Courage, Bravery
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
Topics: Music
I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more of a fool not afraid of rejection.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Thinking
It’s okay if you mess up. You should give yourself a break.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Realization, Awareness, Acceptance
You’re only human, you’re supposed to make mistakes.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Perfection
The good days weren’t really so good, and tomorrow ain’t as bad as it seems.
—Billy Joel
Topics: The Future, Future
I’ve reached the age where competence is a turn-on.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Women
I would not leave you in your times of trouble. We never could have come this far. I took the good times, I’ll take the bad times, I’ll take you just the way you are.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Trouble, Bad Times
They say that these are not the best of times But they’re the only times I’ve ever known And I believe there is a time for meditation In cathedrals of our own.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Meditation
I have a theory that the only original things we ever do are mistakes.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Mistakes
A typical day in the life of a heavy metal musician consists of a round of golf and an AA meeting.
—Billy Joel
Topics: Golf
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