70s Classic Made Him a Legend…Why is He EMBARRASSED by the Song? | Professor Of Rock

On the run from a dishonest record label and a bum contract, multi-platinum, grammy award-winning, rock hall of Famer Billy Joel dropped off the grid and hid out in a dive bar in LA. There under an alias, he spent six months on the down low playing music for down-and-out crowds. It didn’t pay much, and there was no glory in it, but it was a life-altering decision. That’s because it taught him how to take his song-craft to a new level and gave him the inspiration to write the signature song all signature songs are judged by…Piano Man. It would break him into the mainstream and make him a superstar. It’s a song that generations of fans have turned into a go-to karaoke classic and an essential track for any Saturday night and years later Joel would find out he initially made only about 8 grand off of it even though it’s one of the biggest songs ever. The story of a 70s classic is next.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember life lessons they taught you during Saturday morning cartoons. You’ll dig this channel. We also have a patreon where you get more content and honorary mentions on our channel it helps us get more interviews. Click below.
I’m excited to return to one of my favorite shows that we do on this channel. It’s called Breakthrough. In this show, we break down songs, albums, or events that kicked open the door to an artist or band’s career and gave them the momentum to rocket to long-term success. On previous episodes, we have covered American Girl by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Do You Believe in Love by Huey Lewis and the News, and The Joker by the Steve Miller Band. Today we are giving you the story behind the signature Billy Joel classic, Piano Man from his 1973 album of the same name.
So back in 1971, when Billy Joel was just 22, he signed a long-term recording and publishing contract with a label called Family Productions. Under the direction of label founder and producer Artie Ripp, Joel recorded his first solo offering, Cold Spring Harbor… which included classics like ‘She's Got a Way’ and ‘Everybody Loves You Now.’ However, due to a strange error in the mastering process, the tracks played just a little too quickly, causing Joel's voice to sound unnaturally high. After hearing it for the first time, it’s reported that Billy Joel “ripped it off the turntable, ran out of the house, and threw it down the street.” Other unwanted edits were made to the album as well.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who is your pick for the GREATEST storyteller in music?

[@stephenbrown4211]

Bruce Springsteen Mark Knopfler Stevie Nicks

[@TallyDrake]

Gordon Lightfoot. Hands down!😊🥰

[@mournblade1066]

Bruce Springsteen

[@mournblade1066]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee Nice.

[@Irys1997]

@@Spo-Dee-O-Dee now that’s just unnecessary escalation right there

[@chrisoakley5830]

With songs like...Piano Man... you didn't need music videos. The song itself made you envision your own personal story.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Absolutely. Just makes me think of bars where everyone sings along and dime after dime put in the jukebox.

[@tracypaxton1054]

A video would have ruined the video my mind made up.

[@chrisoakley5830]

@@tracypaxton1054 Yes, mine to.

[@mfar3016]

100%. Never thought of it that way, but yeah!

[@hull5768]

Absolutely!

[@tjmeyer4469]

Back in 1990...give or take a year, I worked for an insurance company on Long Island. I took accident reports. One day the phone rings, I answer and start asking questions. Then I asked his name...and it was Billy. Luckily, it was a minor accident, and nobody was hurt. Very nice guy, and he actually took a few extra minutes to talk about his music. I had the pleasure of meeting him about 5 years later. Not that he actually remembered me from a phone call, but he did remember the day.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Whaaat? that's amazing!

[@tjmeyer4469]

@@ProfessorofRock Yep! My parents went to the same high school as Billy. They were a bit older, and did not know him...as far as they could remember anyway.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Aww, so sweet!

[@Code.Name.V]

Absolutely Amazingly Awesome Anecdote! (4 A's is my highest alliterative rating).

[@owend4358]

He crashed his Citroen a few years later getting PIZZA. 🥺🍕

[@SamanthaMunitz]

'Piano Man' is timeless. They sure don't make music like this anymore. Absolute perfection.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Couldn't agree more.

[@carlodave9]

Wow. 16:06. That part got to me. Something we all feel about that song but probably don’t say aloud.

[@wendyokoopa7048]

Last good album for me anyways? Ville valo neon noir

[@TheVeganVicar]

A true masterpiece of popular song.

[@kimdawcatgirl]

I have a cat I named Davey, who is still in the Navy, and probably will be for life. Lol!

[@MrOrgtr]

Last Friday I went to see Billy Joel live. I forgot how many great songs he has. I forgot how good it is and how much I love his music. He finished the regular set with this song. When the last chorus came about the band just stopped. He didn't need to say anything. Everybody, 50,000 people, just took over at full vocal throttle. Not a dry eye in the house. One of the best live moments in my life.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Everybody knows this song is a delight.

[@cgcporsiempre5330]

Was that the concert at Sofi?

[@MrOrgtr]

@@cgcporsiempre5330 Yes, it was awesome

[@cgcporsiempre5330]

@@MrOrgtr I was at that concert too. Both Stevie and Billy were amazing!

[@googlyeyedcat]

You are so lucky 🙂

[@paulbarrettpeck6674]

I love the fact that I'm 65 and grew up with his wonderful music and my kids actually know more of the lines to his songs than I do. His music is timeless.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s amazing!

[@Lord_Ronin_The_Compassionate]

Congratulations for having introduced your children to incredible music, something that is a lot harder to do these days. Or maybe it’s my age? 62 with C but the memories of all the music from the 50’s (South Pacific), the 60’s (Stones), 70’s and 80’s. Too many to list as I’m sure you’ll recall. There’s been some decent artists since then but perhaps nostalgia for the music our parents used to listen to (1935 on) and the soundtrack of our childhood and teens is what resonates the most? Even so, I can’t help feeling that the days of decent singer/songwriters is over as everyone seems to just sample the music of others (plagiarism/laziness?) or have established songwriters working for the record company? There just doesn’t seem to be the widespread wealth and depth of originality and talent that there use to be although I have found a liking for Nickelback (yeah I know, so shoot me, lol) and even more so for the Offspring, but neither of them could be considered new artists. All the best and here’s hoping your children are able to pass on a love of all music for their own children. It can be funny watching the faces of children and grandchildren, especially the former when they hear you’ve just seen Nickelback and the Offspring in quick succession, but if I had to choose a favourite it would still be the Eagles, a band I’ve been following since the 70’s but was either too young or on deployment any time the toured the UK but finally saw them recently when Glenn was alive, then finally when his son stood in. I won’t be around when they tour next but it’s one big tick on the bucket list (as was seeing Alice Cooper twice! They’re all turning up just as I’m checking out, but can’t complain).

[@jamesdamico9284]

Same. Here. now 61 been a fan since high school. Been to his concerts with all my kids and when piano was played at a Mets game at Citi field. My 11 year old grandson looked up at me acknowledging he knew song and my connection to it. Quite a moment

[@robster7316]

I remember when this song hit the airwaves-it was playing everywhere and fit in perfectly with the early 70s genre of storytellers-Harry Chapin, Jim Croce, to name a couple. Also remember when Billy performed Piano Man on Johnny Carson, which was proof that he had really hit the big time. The supremely talented Billy Joel has been with us for over 5 decades now and has survived many ups and downs, yet he’s risen above it all and given us unforgettable memories. Thanks, Adam!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Robster! You're the best.

[@carlodave9]

I miss those story-telling musicians. I wonder when the last time a story song made the top-ten.

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@carlodave9 No kidding.

[@davej.meister5421]

Billy Joel supposedly in a way inspired John Denver. John's last Top 40 hit "Shanghai Breezes" (from 1982) was apparently a tribute to one of Billy's lesser known songs, "Summer, Highland Falls" from his very underrated 1976 album Turnstiles. And you can hear the Billy Joel influence in JD's song.

[@laurat1129]

"Early 70s genre of storytellers..." So true.

[@sunilramsingh67]

Billy Joel is one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He is WAAAAAAY up here. 🏔️

[@El_Diablo_LI]

I grew up on Long Island in the 70's and 80's and Billy Joel has always been a Long Island hometown hero. His music and songwriting has been an inspiration to so many from Long Island and around the world. We appreciate you Adam for sharing these stories and bringing us the inspiration behind the music that has become the soundtracks of our lives. Thank you!

[@theodoreritola7641]

DONT 4 GRET MR JOHN DENVER

[@theodoreritola7641]

JD WAS VERY GOOD JOHN DENVER 70s Gold

[@wishingb5859]

It is amazing how much the harmonica adds to the song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great point.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s so addictive to just hum along to that harmonica.

[@boboneill4828]

‘They’re sharing a drink they call loneliness,it’s better than drinking alone’ one of the best lines ever from any song. In the late 70’s I would get in alot of arguments with my girlfriend (I drank a lot) and I’d walk to a little restaurant at the mall where they had a piano bar and dream of a better life, and the booze made the dreams possible for just that night.

[@codegocomau]

"As a smile ran away from his face" is one of the most memorable poetic descriptions from all of popular music. I still remember the first time I heard it. 40-some years later I'm starting to understand more of its meaning.

[@probablynot1368]

I remember when this song came out in the 1970s. Every morning, when I was eating breakfast, before leaving for my high school classes, the morning DJ from WJOL in Joliet, Illinois would play this song at the same time M-F. I enjoyed this song from the start, and looked forward to hearing it. It didn’t take me long to learn the words. Years later, I learned that the DJ, by the name of William Joseph Christopher Drilling (yes, that’s how he introduced himself), had a nearly life-long struggle with alcoholism and this song ‘spoke’ something to him, reminding him of sitting by the piano in the bar. He was also very fond of playing Marty Robbin’s song ‘El Paso’.

[@cdd4248]

Excellent Point- his lyrics when I was 16 or have such different meaning to me at 60.

[@JonathanLedbetter]

I heard that line as a kid. It seared itself in my mind. I agree that it's one of the most descriptive lines in music.

[@beckyj-g3752]

My son taught himself harmonica in his senior year of high school. He was asked to play the opening harmonica when the men's choir sang Piano Man. He wasn't in that choir at the time. To say I was proud of him is an understatement! ❤️

[@ericdavis3879]

I was introduced to Billy Joel at age 13, in 1989, with We Didn't Start the Fire. It inspired me to become an amateur historian. I wrote my own "Next Generation" follow up in 2009. It was never recorded or released, but Billy Joel has been a staple in my playlists for more than 30 years.

[@unnaturalselection8330]

The music industry is the worst thing to ever happen to music and has probably denied us of more good music than an other single force. How many great artists just looked at the horror stories of people being ripped off by the music machine and just noped out of being professional performers? Truly a tragedy, and not one that has gone away. Shame on the soulless, talentless money grubbers!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

You are exactly right.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Record labels, they’re so SELFISH!

[@tracypaxton1054]

I can remember all the stories about the effects of the exhausting touring schedules as these creeps tried to squeeze every penny they could out of their artists. Wrung them out like dish rags. drug addiction, health problems, irritability and drinking leading to fights. Even Richard Carpenter ended up on qualudes to keep on schedule.

[@MarkLipka]

​@Professor of Rock -- *It would be a horrifyingly interesting video to compare who has been ripped off the worst in the music business. Bad Finger is up there; but, it's certainly possible that Black Sabbath may be the most aggregious of all.*

[@tracypaxton1054]

@@MarkLipka Boston, too. They were hamstrung by bogus legal problems.

[@brendah.6366]

I saw Billy and Sir Elton at Gund arena in Cleveland in 2000 or 01. The highest was Piano Man!! The entire arena on their feet, swaying and singing!! Billy and Elton looked at each other and let the crowd sing a few bars before taking over!!! I'll never forget it!!!❤❤❤

[@BrianMcKnight68]

There’s a reason why my teenage children have this song in their phones/mp3 libraries, 50 years after it was released. It’s one of the greatest songs ever recorded. Period.

[@troughle]

There is a reason why Long Island loves Billy, he is all of us!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen to that!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

New Yorkers love them some Billy Joel.

[@husamarafa4147]

Billy Joel is one of those rare artists who created Non-Genre 'MUSIC'. 'The Stranger', 'Just The Way You Are', 'My Life', 'It's Still Rock 'N' Roll To Me', 'Honesty', 'A Matter Of Trust' and 'We Didn't Start The Fire' are all very different from each other. They also can not be easily categorized as Rock, Pop or even R&B. One of the many reasons that his songs stood the test of time.

[@williamchoate8102]

Man...I'm pushing 60yrs old and listening to you tell this story brought me back to my youth! I've seen him 4 or 5 times, bought all his albums, tapes and cds and even raised my kids to know almost all of his songs! Billy Joel will always be the greatest! Keep up the great work Professor!

[@orwellz180]

I’ve been a fan all my life. Last year for Father’s Day, my daughter (also a huge Billy Joel fan) took me to see him at a sold out show at MSG. Great times. We sang our chorus of Piano Man, with 20,000 other happy people. Unforgettable.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What a very nice gift, Mr. Orwell.

[@pattisimmons67]

Love Billy Joel. Funny truth, my personal favorite song is You're my Home. Because my family moved a lot, watching my folks make everywhere "home" just touched my heart. It kind of became my love song to my husband too: "Home is just another word for you... If I travel all my life and I never get to stop and settle down, long as I have you by my side, there's a roof above and good walls all around. You're my castle, you/re my cabin, you/re my instant pleasure dome. I need you in my house 'cause you're my home." Such beautiful words.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What amazing lines. No place like home.

[@JerryGreuel]

Adam, I’m proud to say I’m now one of your honorary producers! Your channel is the best KZbin channel hands down! I’ve always loved your trips down memory lane in the greatest era of music in history. It really feels like hanging out with you and our favorite musical geniuses! You and your subscribers are my family! I look forward to many more years of your fantastic videos and want to thank you for helping keep the dreams alive and music in our hearts❤

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I am most impressed with the Longest Time! He is every voice and no instruments. What a talent👏👏👏

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love the vocal on it.

[@catbutte4770]

Such a melancholy song. I always felt sad for the characters in the bar and for Billy the piano player, but I love this song! ❤ The character descriptions, the tune, Billy Joel's skilled piano & harmonica playing. . .all are magnificent. I always thought the song took place at a dive in New York City, but it's actually a bar in Southern California? That shocked me. 😳Anyway, thank you for the Rock Music lesson, Mr. Reader. ☺

[@deltaireland4326]

I've been a pianist all my life - music has been my saving grace in so many ways. It was five or six years ago that I really started listening to Billy Joel. Every song touches me so deeply - the courage in his videos and the storytelling genius...! A few years ago, I played piano and sang 'Vienna' in a company talent show. I became a 'professional' musician that day when I won $75 for my homage to my absolute music hero. I'm facing a pretty tough challenge right now and I'm going to rely on said hero to do his part in helping me pull through. I expect to be receiving a bone marrow transplant in early May, 2023. My playlist is eclectic, to be sure, but dominated by this gigantic influence when I need it most. If you feel so inclined, prayers & good vibes are always welcome and much appreciated.

[@neckbone3943]

Hope all is well

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest "SIGNATURE SONG" from an artist. The one song that they HAVE to play in concert?

[@DC8091]

Free Bird!!! RIP Gary 🥃

[@christineml1476]

Patsy Cline "Fall to Pieces"

[@TheSlowoldman]

The best signature song of all time has to be this one.....the next I would say is I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash.

[@brenturquhart7090]

Honestly, it’s got to be the Piano Man. I know I’m taking the easy one here, but seriously, there is no signature song great than Piano Man, there just isn’t.

[@catherine6653]

Hey Jude by Paul McCarteny. "Na, na, na, na na na, Hey Jude"

[@777colin1]

People in a hundred years will still sing along to Piano Man. Anyone who loves music, loves it and knows all the words. However, my favorite song on the album is 'You're My Home' The lyric 'I need you in my house 'cause you're my home' says it all about love, commitment and how relationships should be, that no matter where we are, no matter what befalls us, You're My Home. Love it

[@keithguidry2841]

You are as gifted at what you do as all the artist that you cover! Please don't stop!

[@stephenhanft1226]

Piano Man is one of the greatest story songs/sing-along songs ever. Billy always performs it in concert and the entire audience joins in singing "sing us a song you're the piano man." It was his breakthrough song. He went on to become one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all-time. I have all of his albums in my record collection. My personal favorites are The Stranger, 52nd Street, Glass Houses, and An Innocent Man. I grew up with his music. Billy Joel and Elton John are my favorite piano playing pop/rock artists.

[@fredwhiffle6671]

American Pie

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You have Nylon Curtain? That’s another perfect album from him. I learned so much about what life was like in the 80s, about Reaganomics and working in the city, just from Nylon Curtain.

[@stephenhanft1226]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes, I have Nylon Curtain. Side 1 is absolutely flawless with great songs such as "Allentown", "Pressure" and "Goodnight Saigon". However, I think side 2 the songs lose some momentum and the album doesn't finish as strong. On the strength of side 1, I would still rank Nylon Curtain from my 5-10 favorite Billy Joel albums but just not in my top 4.(The Stranger, 52nd Street, Glass Houses and An Innocent Man).

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@stephenhanft1226 I’m okay with that perspective. I love Goodnight Saigon. All those other albums are flawless classics too.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

The storytelling of Billy Joel in his songs has captivated all of us. It is the reason why Piano Man and his other classics were covered or had been played by other artists and in the movies and TV programs.

[@CapeCottageGarden]

OMG! Billy, this is one of the best poetic, story-telling songs ever written! Don't be embarrassed. Be proud! My favorite line is "Son can you sing me a memory." Fifty years later and I still hear it on the radio. And don't tell anyone but I had a huge crush on Billy back in the day. Rock on. ❤️

[@skippybiscuit275]

Saw this man in 1989 second row. He absolutely amazed me with stage presence and a remarkable amount of energy. Of course it didn’t hurt I saw Christie Brinkley on the side of the stage with their daughter. Unreal show! Last minute scalped ticket. Decision

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And then he got married to Katie Lee.

[@theodoreritola7641]

My fav BillJoel 70s song is My life Dig the 70s

[@bethsmith3421]

I can't think of a Billy Joel song I do not love or at least like really well. His songs have covered every feeling, sad, solemn, happy, goofy and you can find a song that will fit any mood. His songs are so easy to sing along with, just great music. They seem like such simple songs and yet dig deeper and they have a complexity all their own. And hearing him, point out all the things he says is wrong just proves what a great musicianand human he is. Can't imagine a world without Billy Joel.

[@hoseman18]

You can really turn a phrase, man. Love the way you describe your feelings, the times, and the emotions wrought by these classics. Carry on, keep up the truth.

[@davekintz]

It warms my heart the way you weave your relationship with your Dad into these presentations. Yes, I'm happy for you.

[@SeansMusicVault]

You are officially my Casey Kasem. 15:04 My dad would have been a Song + Dance Man. He had a great sense of rhythm, an engaging voice and could dance to beat the band. He hipped me to music early in my life and may be the reason that I pursue the perfect chord to this day! Great video, mate!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sounds like a jolly man!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

No song has captured a place and people so well, I mean I can smell the stale beer when this song plays. I have often watched people break into all singing together in European pubs. This is America's song we all know the lyrics and sang along at the pubs. Fantastic deep dive in to this all time classic, great episode. Didn't know you name your son after Billy, that's a true fan

[@ProfessorofRock]

A love letter to people watching!

[@MyName-pl7zn]

​​@@ProfessorofRock thank you, well written❤

[@TheSlowoldman]

@@ProfessorofRock perfect way to describe this song.

[@TheSlowoldman]

A song in the manner of English story songs....and as a fan of country music (so very many story songs) this one is a masterpiece.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@TheSlowoldman I have been in dive bars that were this song was played everyone sang along because we can all relate definitely

[@susanpumphrey354]

This song resonates with me so hard, because it just makes you feel *seen*. Even the people who don't have anything "better" to do than go hang out at the same bar every Saturday night, have a story that's worth telling. It's a beautiful reminder that we are all pieces of a whole.

[@staciehanson]

Love this. Just saw Billy Joel last night and 50,000 people singing Piano Man together is a memory I will carry with me forever!

[@noraelliott7304]

Adam, your summation of how Billy Joel's Piano Man are spot on. Well said. Thank you.😊

[@RonBaker456]

I do this tune in my acoustic act with the harmonica and it kills every time. It is a classic for sure and an acknowledgement of the struggles of life for us all.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

We all know people like the ones in this song.

[@MiracleFound]

He and Elton John playing this together on stage in 1993 at Busch Stadium in St Louis was incredible. Piano man is up there with American Pie, Rocky Mountain High and Sweet Caroline as songs that will have everyone sing along.

[@andyt6220]

Billy Joel is one of my favorite artists of all time. I used to DJ at a local bar and would always open up my night with a Billy Joel song. Everyone loved to sing along to his songs.

[@namelessname1930]

Great channel, Professor! I tell people about you quite frequently. I can't play our piano at home , but I can bang out the chords to Piano Man on it!

[@Radini7]

I am a piano bar entertainer in New York City and Piano Man is my one of my set closers. I do it with the harmonica like Billy Joel does, and this was a very meaningful video for me because l always see how people are affected when they hear this song and they sing along…it’s always very moving, including for myself ❤

[@PapaToast210]

John at the bar: Well, that's me. Countless people have uttered the same exact phrase, "You missed your calling." I've been 'trapped' in a lower middle class, always wanting more for my family. BUT in hindsight, would I go for it? NO! Not for the God-given family I raised.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m a middle class person too. I miss my calling on purpose sometimes because I have to take second thoughts about it.

[@minda.fraser]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm endlessly interested in all of this!!!!

[@IheartDogs55]

WMMR was my station! Thanks for mentioning it.

[@kinjunranger140]

I always respected him for how he handled the front row of his concerts. He gave tickets to people who came early and sat up in the cheap seats. A roadie walks out about an hour before the show starts and gives them out.

[@jasonjtg21]

This was the song that turned me in to Billy Joel. Since hearing this track I’ve gone on to love his entire catalog. I think the song is so loved because like you said it reminds us of ourselves. Self doubt, regret, heartbreak and pain. I do like Billy’s “harder” tracks like moving out. But this track will always have a special place in my heart as the reason why I was turned on to Billy in the first place.

[@hallewis389]

Wow! Thanks once again for the story. Gives a whole new respect for Grand Funk.

[@Damien_Clarke]

I would go as to say that, "Piano Man is not only the standard, but the BASELINE that similar songs (e.g. folk, easy listening, piano, etc.) are judged against." AWESOME Tune! Timeless!

[@tbarry4990]

My older brother went to see Billy Joel playing at Massey Hall in Toronto (in 1974?). He was so blown away that he bought the Piano Man album the next day. I listened to it and loved it. Years later he jumped on a strict Christian lifestyle and went to throw his rock records away. Before he got home (he was in the army) to do that, I pilfered his collection and took several albums including Piano Man. Still have it. Still listen to it and enjoy it every time.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Glad you recovered it!

[@tbarry4990]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 - so am I - he told me I should get rid of my rock albums - I told him to go to hell and if he touched them I'd break his fingers.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@tbarry4990 To hell with him then! That goes against our universal wish, keeping the music alive.

[@Whisper_292]

I may have said this before, but I just have to do it again. When Adam speaks lyrics aloud, as though he's reading a poem, he infuses them with his own emotions and gives each song so many more layers. He has changed the meanings and my feelings about more than one song by doing this and actually made me like songs I hadn't before.

[@theofficialdiamondlou2418]

Agree ..

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It is so amazing how he does that!

[@Whisper_292]

@XxLilly_playsXx Kiz Right? He's an amazing storyteller in his own right.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@Whisper_292 We’re so thankful for the Professor.

[@iamrodneyy]

when I was in college, I worked at a night club in Massachusetts that had a fantastic singer and loved doing Billy songs. We loved hearing him and the place would fill to capacity when he was in house. Especially loved when he did Piano Man and Italian Restaurant.Even my 93 year old mother said her great desire is to see Billy in concert. Wish like crazy I could make that happen for her. Billy,we miss you. Come back for another round. I know you have some songs still in you.

[@pambarns3179]

I really love your channel , and content . I love the 80 ‘s songs and the stories behind the song

[@RSGill1903]

As a teen, the very first time I heard Billy Joel I 'knew' he was going to hit it big. None of Billy's songs were on the radio, we all learned of him by word of mouth.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Were you in his home state at the time? Maybe that could explain it. 🤔

[@RSGill1903]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 - yeah, back then, most music was regional. The only way you discovered a band was by word of mouth or seeing them in concert supporting the headliner. EXAMPLE: Bob Seger opening a concert for Kiss. Bob was HUGE in his area of the US and had 6+ LPs out, but no one really heard about him until his Beautiful Loser LP hit it big on the charts. A lot of people assume that Billy hit it HUGE with Piano Man but he didn't. That LP was like a locomotive, it was very slow to start but once it picked up speed... We all knew who he was due to Piano Man but the public at large had no clue. Billy's career didn't start really taking off until Turnstiles came out and his songs started hitting the top 40.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@RSGill1903 Right. The New York general public loved Billy at this time. But it took a while for him to make it big with top 10 hits until The Stranger.

[@johnglielmi6428]

I actually had heard Cold Spring Harbor, before I had heard Piano Man or Captain Jack, I can still remember when I heard "She's Got A Way About Her" the first time I thought this guy is gonna go places. He has a great lyrical talent. Who knew he would explode the way he did, but Life is a lot better because his music was there to bring us out of our Viet Nam war funk. I was 11 yrs old when Cold Spring Harbor was originally released. I also enjoy Billy because I was a huge fan of Jim Croce. I really like the troubadours. Any song that has a story to it has more meaning to me then just music that only has a nice hook.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s sad that he had to let that first record go under the radar because Artie Ripp-ed him off.

[@lancelotkamaka2563]

Ah man! This song brings back a lot of great memories for me working as a pianist at a restaurant bar. I'd always get requests to play this song, and got people singing, making them to forget about life for a while.

[@AmaxMr]

So many songs tell a story. Many only ring true for a few. Billy has the gift to tell a story that easily relates for a maximum number of people and groups of people. One does not need to listen closely to understand the lyrics. We hear, We feel, We understand, & We relate. 🙏

[@babygerald4645]

One of the best deep-dives on one of the best songs written. The analysis of the autobiographic aspect of the lyrics-- that our piano man is in the same spot as his cohorts at the bar was something I found really poignant since hearing this for the first time as a kid. Just a songwriting masterpiece. As a disgruntled 80s and 90s Knicks fan there isn't much for me to credit the Dolans for, but having Billy play at MSG monthly is rehabilitating their reputation. I hope you someday get to interview Billy himself. Thanks, professor.

[@danfadden]

One of my top 10 songs of all time. I’m an 80’s kid and was turned onto his music by my best friend. Such an amazing entertainer.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He puts on excellent concerts too.

[@theodoreritola7641]

IM A 70s Brat my self i miss 70s Billy Joel

[@jefffuhr2393]

That was so absolutely beautiful and personal Mr. Adam. As many times as I've sung Piano Man at the top of my lungs--and with me being FROM that very time and place, you told us so much backstory that I did NOT know. I can enjoy it all anew and that much more. Thank you!!!

[@113nightbird]

Cool video about Billy Joel! Thanks! 😊

[@RC32Smiths01]

Never knew the ins and outs of how this gem came to be. Fascinating story for sure, and it's one of blood, sweat, and tears I'm sure.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks RC32!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love this story.

[@Code.Name.V]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I love reading your comments!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@Code.Name.V I love reading YOURS as well! Gosh, this community is one of the best on the entire interwebs.

[@megaboz42]

For another fascinating story, Google "Keith Yates The time a stiff caught fire" for the story of how "Piano Man" finally got on the radio 20 weeks after it had been released as a single.

[@brentcox7772]

Epic song! Saw him @ MSG with Peter Frampton! Awesome! 🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Two legends.

[@MyriamTT]

This was a beautiful tribute to a great song and a great artist.

[@rickkaylor7949]

Nice video! I've always been a fan of Billy Joel. So talented. He really nails the picture of performing in dive bars. I can relate having played my share of dive bars, weddings and similar venues. It can be a thankless job. Everyone is talking, drinking or eating and no one is really paying attention to you. The good thing is if you forget the lyrics no one notices and it is a good way to get experience. It is so worth it when people come up afterward and compliment and thank you.

[@timbrady6473]

The stories never got lost in Billy’s best music ,he’s not only the piano man ,he’s the story teller .

[@theodoreritola7641]

John Denver not to Shabby him Self ANOTHER 70s SUPER STAR

[@jonathandeserres3491]

Been listening to this song my whole life. Its awesome. Certain radio stations wouldn't play the whole thing but the radio station where I lived played all the verses in the song. Awesome. Love Billy Joels humbleness towards The Piano Man as well. Thank you for talking about The Piano Man in this video.

[@ericsyron4179]

Love this song. Every time in comes on I turn up the volume and sing along as loud as I can.

[@marygirardin5300]

I saw him in concert last year, 3/24/22 @ MSG. First time seeing him in concert, awesome

[@hannabass3693]

Billy Joel is one of the greatest composers of our modern times.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

💯

[@BillGraper]

"Piano Man" is pretty good, but not even close to my favorite Billy Joel songs. I really love "The Longest Time," "It's Sill Rock N Roll To Me," "You May Be Right," and "Just The Way You Are." As a teen in the late 80's, I remember singing & playing "She's Got A Way" on my keyboard, so yeah I was absolutely influenced by his music. Great artist!

[@TheSlowoldman]

His songbook is crowded with gems, Only the Good Die Young is another I really like.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So many hits.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love it because of it's last verse.

[@ozonebaby5161]

One of those artists who has well over 20 great songs A lofty league My fav - DOWN EASTER ALEXA

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

For me it's "You May Be Right" and "My Life."

[@vincentguarino4262]

Great episode Adam! I was definitely inspired to play piano by Billy! 🎹 I'm still at it to this day! Billy's storytelling on piano man is epic! He draws us into the lives of each of his characters, including himself, letting us know that we're all in this thing together. Truly a legendary musical poet. Keep up the awesome content my man! You are the glue to our glorious musical past! #RockOn🎼 ☮️

[@apitheous194]

"Goodnight Saigon" my favorite as a retired Air Force TSgt. While I never served in combat I have survivor guilt for never being sent. I know, I am lucky where many other were not. It is those who served in theater that I always think of especially when I hear "Goodnight Saigon". I recall him playing it on a stage surrounded by Vietnam vets. Thanks to all those who served and to Mr. Joel.

[@Flint92]

Putting his "Hits" aside, Billy has the best "album tracks". I can't tell you the amount if times I have played them. List: Summer, Highland Falls" She's got a way" "Somewhere along the line" New York State of Mind" "Prelude, Angry young Man" "She's Always a woman" "Miami 2017" "I've loved these days" "All for Leyna" "Zanzibar" "Until the night" "Stiletto" "Where's the orchestra" These are just some of his classic album tracks, and this man's depth with music is unmatched, in my opinion.

[@greghawkins229]

He shouldn’t be embarrassed. It’s a great song

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

But he’s not the only one who hates his signature hit.

[@MrM-u3h]

​@XxLilly_playsXx Kiz I hate it.

[@slbarbieri1725]

​@@MrM-u3h I do too, tbh. It's schmaltz

[@ronchesmore2950]

I used to be a Karaoke DJ and this was definitely a favorite among many people. Years later, during my wedding rehearsal dinner, my brother set up his karaoke equipment and lots of attendees began singing, including my pastor, Ron, who used to be in the metal band, Viking, when he was younger. He sang it so well! I'll never forget that memory of everyone singing along with him. It's an amazing song that brings people together!

[@tinamcnalley2575]

Piano Man paints such rich, visible pictures with words. A few years later , when myself and two friends wandered into a piano bar in the Village, the pictures of this song became a reality and we enjoyed the evening with a handful of regulars and a "piano man" that performed with Nipsey Russell when he was in town.

[@vladtheimpala5532]

What makes music great isn’t always its technical qualities. Great music comes from the heart and speaks to the soul of the listener. I love songs that tell a story. “Piano Man” does that as well as any song I can think of. It’s an “Everyman” story that could take place just about anywhere in America. I think just about anyone could identify with one of the characters. _(I identify with John, the bartender.)_ It appeals to a wide variety of people. It’s about our culture and has become part of our culture.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s all about the quality, not the quantity.

[@brenturquhart7090]

I can’t remember a world without Billy Joel’s Piano Man, I just can’t. I think I was born knowing all the words to that song, or so it seemed. It’s sad how artists were treated back in the day. I had a chance to talk to Jeff Healy about just that. A good friend from my childhood was dating him and I remember moving her into his apartment. Even then, for new artists, production costs, marketing cost and such all came out of the artist cut. He certainly didn’t make much off his debut album. I think social media has been a great thing for new artists. It gives talented singer songwriters ways to release their music under their terms and conditions. They may not make much, but at least it’s their music and not some bean counter who cares nothing about music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I don't want to know a world without it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

There is not a single part of Piano Man I am unfamiliar with. And it’s sad that the record labels treated him like shit, but he has persevered.

[@DocGreenePrivate]

I love your references to your dad. As a father and a son it touches me!

[@terryrice3177]

This is my favorite karaoke song. A poetic masterpiece! Such colorful language and great chord progression. Iconic, indeed!

[@wishingb5859]

Lines like “making love to his tonic and gin” and “I believe this is killing me” and “man, what are you doing here?” He nailed line after line after line. Even “put bread in my jar” causing your mind to pause and wonder if it is bread or bread. It is such a fun song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's a perfect song.

[@42976675]

Fun? A bit depressing. Feels like the end of lonely street.

[@wishingb5859]

@@42976675 I get what you are saying. Not fun if you are living the life but very much fun for people who like interesting lyrics. So few writers even aim for what he accomplished in his writing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I LOVE the lyrics to this song! So genius.

[@jongilbertson2106]

And then there is Davey, whose still in the Navy, and probably will be for life.

[@lisapop5219]

I remember being a kid and asking my mom why in the world were they putting bread in a jar. She laughed and explained that it was slang for money. It was sometime in the early 80s when he was on the radio a lot.

[@poldidak]

Same.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Money can buy you good ole sweet jam.

[@AdamBurstein]

You and I have a nearly identical Billy Joel path. My first album was Glass Houses. I borrowed my friend’s copies of The Stranger and 52nd Street, took piano lessons to learn his stuff, hated piano lessons, and got hooked on the rest of his catalog. What an amazing musician.

[@blewz4u]

Dear Adam, You've outdone yourself with this one. Truly a brilliant and a wonderful tribute to a legend that has given us all so much. Thank you, sir.

[@majomaja5646]

Billy Joe is an Icon and his greatest hit, in my heart of hearts, is the timeless "We Didn't Start the Fire".... It's part of my daily existence.

[@coachhunter1]

What a talent. I have most of his albums and he ranks in the top ten of all time. I will admit that due to the millions of air play that I turned him off a lot of times. His radio plays were on every channel. It has finally slowed enough that I play them again. Thanks for the great show today.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He was finally becoming relevant in society.

[@seanscanlon9067]

I always preferred many of Billy's deep cuts to his hits......And yes I know that is a cliché but some clichés are still valid, all the same.

[@heyvern247]

In the late 80’s when my kids started getting bored with their piano lessons and the music they were being assigned to play by their piano teacher, I started bringing home classic Rock sheet music for them to learn. My eldest son, who was around 8 years old, really took to this new music challenge. Billy Joel and Eric Clapton music became his favorites, which he memorized and played often. At about the age of 12, he had an assignment to play the prelude music for a church meeting. When I walked into the meeting, I heard very unique sounding church hymns which I didn’t recognize, until I started listening more closely. To my surprise I recognized his prelude music was none other than Billy Joel’s, “The Piano Man”, which he had arranged down to the sound of prelude music, appropriate for church sounding prelude music. That was a proud papa moment, but I had to hide my pride a little when I had to instruct him to stick to the approved hymnal for music appropriate for a church meeting. We still laugh about it many years later.

[@paulshepherd9528]

...'73 was my freshman year in college... and I remember hearing this song and, despite loving harder rock, blues, etc., was instantly taken by it. Sometimes I'm a bit saddened when people like Billy Joel say that some seminal work of theirs is an embarrassment to them or whatever... it is, in my opinion, a true songwriter's song. Not an 'artist's' song, but a songwriter, a story teller, a word painter. Like the best movies, he gives the characters their time in the scene, no hurry... just tell the story... and I've sung into many a microphone that smelled like a beer. And the piano work itself is really just perfect, the way it rolls along in waves... ... cheers to Bill, my fellow Long Islander, and The Piano Man...

[@flavellinator]

Such an epic song from an era when, well, songs weren't "cut down to 3:05"... Glass Houses got me hooked on Billy too. That album has just an edgy, punk-like feel to it that was ahead of its time. Hot Cross Buns, Professor, LoL!

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's really great. Love Sleeping with the Television on.

[@flavellinator]

@@ProfessorofRock Yes, that song never gets mentioned and should've been a hit! My hidden gem was "Sometimes a Fantasy," because push button phones were kinda hip back then, and that intro just blasted into my headphones....

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Glass Houses is my jam! 🤓

[@brentwebster6164]

Heh. Funny thing is, it WAS Piano Man that Billy was referencing with the “they cut it down to 3:05” line. That was the run-time of the radio edit.

[@geraldobrien7323]

I don’t know whether it’s explained here, but a little fact: each verse in Piano Man is a limerick.

[@jenx5870]

No, they aren't. A limerick is five lines long, with the first two lines rhyming with each other, then the next two lines rhyming, then the last line rhyming with the first two lines, and the rhyme usually is humorous in nature. This song is depressing, and each verse is only four lines long, and doesn't follow the rules of limerick poetry at all. Golann Éirinn agus í i bpian ag an ghealtacht sin!

[@TheSquidgal]

I used to listen to WMMR growing up. They introduced me to so many great artists. My father was a jazz fan and my mom listened to pop and country. I didn't have older siblings to show me the way, but WMMR really provided me with a great Rock education. Captain Jack became a staple at the station and was my intro to Billy Joel. BTW my access to all the NYC and Philly radio stations in the area I lived led me to become a professional radio DJ "when I wore a younger girl's clothes." 😉 Thanks for yet another wonderful episode.

[@alanW3412]

"Piano Man" is both passionate and memorizing. It is one of music's all-time great songs.

[@trinaq]

This was the one of the first songs I ever learned how to play on the piano, funnily enough! 🎹🎶 I can't believe that Billy only made eight grand from it, when it's one of his most popular songs.

[@ProfessorofRock]

8 grand. It's insane.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Same here. I can play it for family and friends whenever they visit. Billy was betrayed big time here.

[@Rossturnerphoto]

Piano man is one of those songs that I forget just how many verses it has and how long it is until you get into it, but I never get tired of hearing it. One of his classes for sure.

[@weebunny]

I actually get annoyed when I'm getting really into the song on the car radio, and then I realize they're playing the radio edit. It cuts right in the middle of a verse! Geez.

[@franciet99]

So glad you said that he is one of your favorite artists. I also think he is my favorite. However, I felt like others didn’t get it. I’m a bit older than you and still have my Glass Houses album, among others.Thank you!

[@DW3010]

I was five as well when I discovered Billy Joel. It was “Tell her about it” and “Uptown Girl” as they were on the radio a lot at the time. I still hope to get to NYC to catch one of his shows one day.