Happy birthday, Billy Joel! Also known as the Piano Man, the singer has been performing for decades now and has become one of the pillars of the music industry. Find out more about the singer's life below as well as his heartwarming tribute to Gordon Lightfoot.
Born William Martin Joel on May 9, 1949, the musician is celebrating his 74th birthday today! The world-renowned pianist spent his early years in New York.
He was born in the Bronx, but his family later moved to Long Island when he was one year old. He and his cousin Judy, who was adopted by his parents, were raised around the suburb of Hicksville. (Via 98.7 River)
It appears that the singer got his musical roots from his father, Howard Joel, as he was also a classical pianist aside from being a businessman.
Billy Joel Early Life, Career, Net Worth
His father was a Jewish man who was born in Germany. He and his family were able to immigrate to the United States via Cuba.
At the age of four, the singer started piano lessons as his mother insisted he do so. Some of his teachers were also known in the field of music like Timothy Ford and Morton Estrin.
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Aside from music, Billy Joel also ventured out into other hobbies like boxing as he wanted to defend himself.
The musician started his music career in the 1960s. He was only 16 years old when he joined the Echos, but he only lasted for a few years.
His first breakthrough solo album, "Cold Spring Harbor," was released under Family Productions and it was a massive success to fans.
He later went on tour, released more albums and songs, leading people to dub him the Piano Man. Since he has a string of successful tracks, little did the public know that Billy Joel hasn't released new music since the 90s.
"The main reason that someone should write is because they want to. If you're writing music, and you don't really want to, it's not going to be any good. It's going to be manufactured," he explained to The Day.
Today, the singer's fortune is estimated to be worth around a whopping $225 million. (via Celebrity Net Worth)
Billy Joel Heartwarming Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot
The world of music is still mourning the death of Canadian folk legend Gordon Lightfoot after he passed away earlier this month.
It was previously reported that the musician died in a hospital in Toronto, but the cause of death has yet to be publicized.
Billy Joel took to his official Instagram account to share a heartwarming tribute to his good pal by playing his 1970 song "If You Could Read My Mind." (watch the video above)
"So sad to hear of the death of Gordon Lightfoot. He was a lifelong musical hero of mine. His songs were the heart of Canada. R.I.P.," he wrote in the caption.
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