New York native, Billy Joel, was a small town guy growing up in the suburbs of Long Island. He rose to fame while playing in piano bars throughout New York, helping his divorced mother make ends meet.
Eventually he became one of the worlds most popular solo artists by releasing dozens of albums, compilations and live concert recordings. Joel may be known for being the ex-husband of model, Christie Brinkley, but he is also widely and successfully known for writing and performing classics like “Only The Good Die Young” and “We Didn’t Start The Fire.”
However, this six time Grammy winner recently made headlines for stating that he is “un-retiring.”
The original Piano Man will be playing several shows at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan and also will play at Fenway Park for the first time in five years.
To celebrate the success of the “Uptown Girl” singer, TheCelebrityCafe.com is counting down our top 10 favorite songs of Hicksville’s own, Billy Joel and it definitely wasn’t easy!
What’s your favorite?
Photo Courtesy of WikiMedia Commons
[ new page = Allentown ]
10. Allentown
“Allentown” is a catchy song about the Pennsylvania city originally written by Joel while he was on tour. Interestingly, the song is said by Joel to be written about Levittown, New York, but he wanted to discuss what he saw in the city through this song and essentially renamed it.
[ new page =
9. My Life
Joel’s hit single “My Life” off of his album 52nd Street is a great anthem to all those who strive for independence.
8. We Didn’t Start The Fire
A song dedicated to the history of the United States, “We Didn’t Start The Fire” is a tune that discusses all of the good and bad moments from the 1950s and on. Joel, who is also known to be a history buff, said that while writing this song that he wanted to highlight interesting things that society faced throughout his lifetime. Definitely a great song to memorize for your next history exam!
[ new page = New York State of Mind ]
7. New York State of Mind
What kind of New Yorker would Billy Joel be if he didn’t write a song about his homeland? “New York State of Mind” is a perfect song for those who left the greatest city in the world but still miss the lights and sounds of the island of dreams.
[ new page = Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song) ]
6. Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)
“Movin’ Out” is the song that any 20-something can relate to. “He works in a grocery story, saving his pennies for someday,” but as we all know “working too hard can give you a heart attack.” We can all sing along to this knowing the struggle poor Anthony felt.
[ new page = It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me ]
5. It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
This song not only shows us that rock and roll isn’t dead but it is a great song showing us that you shouldn’t care about what other people think of your clothing even if the “tie’s too wide.”
[ new page = Uptown Girl ]
4. Uptown Girl
With former wife, Christie Brinkley, starring in the music video, Joel portrays a struggling mechanic trying to get the attention of the very beautiful and rich blonde who doesn’t seem to give him the time of day.
[ new page = Miami 2017 (I’ve Seen The Lights Go Out On Broadway) ]
3. Miami 2017 (I’ve Seen The Lights Go Out on Broadway)
The live version of this song is amazing, especially when performed in New York. Everyone sings along and screams when he mentions Brooklyn, Harlem or 42nd street. “Miami 2017” is a catchy anthem again dedicated to Joel’s beloved city.
[ new page = Piano Man ]
2. Piano Man
The song that coined Joel the nickname “Piano Man,” this song was written about his experiences in the clubs while playing the piano for a lonely crowd. This song is definitely a classic.
[ new page = Only The Good Die Young ]
1. Only The Good Die Young
“Only The Good Die Young” is a classic from Joel that makes us also want to “laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.” Let’s all face it, the sinners really are much more fun!