Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter who goes by the moniker “Piano Man” because of the song that gave him his first big break and catapulted him to fame.
Since the 1970s, the singer has had great success and has recorded 13 full-length albums, becoming one of the best-selling artists in history and the third best-selling US solo artist of all time. One of the wealthiest performers alive today, Joel has sold 150 million albums to date.
Billy Joel Net Worth
An estimate of $525 million has been made by Billy Joel throughout his lifetime. When on tour, Joel brings in about $50 million, and even off the road, he may make between $25 and $35 million. When he performs in a residency, such as his extended Madison Square Garden residencies, he is paid $2 to $3 million per show.
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Overview Of Billy Joel
Early Life
William Martin Joel was born in the Bronx of New York City on May 9, 1949. His father was a German businessman and classical musician. His family escaped the Nazis via Switzerland and Cuba before landing in the United States.
His family fled the Nazis via Cuba and Switzerland before reaching in the United States.
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Kent, England, was the home of Joel’s mother’s family. His parents first got together at a Gilbert and Sullivan concert at the City College of New York in the late 1930s. He was a small boy when his family relocated to Hicksville on Long Island.
Alongside his younger sister Judy, he was raised there. When his parents separated in 1957, his father moved back to Europe and settled in Austria, where he later remarried. Alexander Joel, Joel’s half-brother from his father’s side, also pursued a musical career and served as the show’s musical director.
Joel’s mother insisted that he start piano lessons when he was four years old. As a result, he began to enjoy and appreciate classical music, which he still does today.
He joined his first band, The Echoes, at the age of 14, inspired by his love of all things musical. He attended Hicksville High School but ultimately failed to get enough credits to graduate. He chose to pursue a full-time musical career rather than taking summer classes to complete his education.
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Career
Joel joined the Hassles in 1967 after leaving The Echoes, afterward known as the Lost Souls. The Hassles signed with United Artists Records and put out several singles and albums, although none of them were particularly well-received.
In 1969, Joel and the band’s drummer, Jon Small, broke away to establish the duet Attila. Although their self-titled album was published in July 1970, Joel’s relationship with Elizabeth Small’s wife made their collaboration short-lived.
Joel went solo in 1971 after signing a contract with the record label Family Productions, and his first solo album, “Cold Spring Harbor,” was published (1971).
Despite the album’s lack of success, he was able to catch Columbia Records’ attention, and they signed him in 1972.
His albums “Piano Man” (1973), “Streetlife Serenade” (1974), and “Turnstiles” (1976) were all issued by Columbia, but it wasn’t until his fourth solo album “The Stranger” (1977) that he made a breakthrough into the general public’s consciousness.
Over 10 million copies of “The Stranger” were sold, and it gave rise to smash songs like “Just the Way You Are,” “Only the Good Die Young,” and “She’s Always a Woman.
” The albums he released after “52nd Street” in 1978 are “Glass Houses” in 1980, “The Nylon Curtain” in 1982, “An Innocent Man” in 1983, “The Bridge” in 1986, “Storm Front” in 1989, and “River of Dreams” in 1990. (1993).
One of the best-selling musicians in history, Billy Joel has sold more than 150 million records worldwide. He is a member of the Songwriter Hall of Fame and the Roll Hall of Fame, and he has six Grammy victories to go along with his 23 Grammy nominations.
In 1993, Joel stopped actively making music. But in 2001, he put out the CD “Fantasies & Delusions.” The album features his old buddy and pianist Richard Hyung-ki Joo performing classical piano works, a break from his regular approach and repertoire.
Private Life
Elizabeth Weber Small was Joel’s first spouse. She was still married to Jon Small, one of Joel’s musical partners, therefore their relationship began as an affair.
In the end, Joel and Small got hitched in 1973, and they split up in 1982. Billy was almost bankrupt when he left the marriage due to a multi-million dollar divorce settlement PLUS the loss of almost $30 million in mismanaged funds at the hands of Elizabeth’s brother Frank.
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As he prepared for his second marriage to American model Christie Brinkley, he was in extremely poor financial standing. To raise money, he went on the road frequently.
This led to serious discord and accusations of adultery. They have a kid together named Alexa Ray Joel while they were married from 1985 until 1994.
His third marriage, which lasted from 2004 until 2009, was to chef Katie Lee. Alexis Roderick is Joel’s fourth wife. Despite being together since 2009, he and Roderick only got married in 2015. Della Rose Joel and Remy Anne Joel, their two daughters, were born into this union.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Billy Joel’s Average Show Revenue?
Joel has been giving monthly performances in Madison Square Garden since 2014. Joel makes at least $2 million for every performance with his multi-year residency in MSG.
Billy Joel’s Royalty Income Is How Much?
Billboard calculates that throughout the three years of 2019–2021, Joel’s song catalog averaged $8.915 million in annual music publication royalties, which is in the $8 million–$9 million range cited to Billboard by various sources who frequently transact in the music asset marketplace.
