This was inspired by Joel's experiences playing at The Executive Room, a piano bar in Los Angeles. He worked there for six months in 1972 after his first solo album, Cold Spring Harbor, tanked. The characters in the song are based on real people Joel encountered while working at The Executive Room.
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Wow! I had no idea that this was based on a true story and experience. Interesting!!
@user-yj8vc3zo8t5 күн бұрын
It tanked partially because it was released at the wrong speed. Billy thought that the record company would dump him from his contract if he dropped out of sight. He called himself Bill Martin.
@Bluewave147Ай бұрын
He’s one of the greatest lyricists of our time.
@kurttuchscherer7706Ай бұрын
This song is timeless because all of us have been one of the characters in the song at sometime in our lives.
@Rebelrocker69Ай бұрын
The bartender gave him his drinks for free because his playing increased the amount of alcohol sold and likely increased both his and the servers' tips. He also probably had permission from the manager/owner due to the increase in sales. A lot of bars that feature live music will comp the drinks for the players as long as it is kept below a certain amount.
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
You're right though 👍
@stuartpenman6387Ай бұрын
Thank you for your reaction, it reminds me empathy isn't dead yet
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
☺️
@texasdustfartАй бұрын
"feels like old memories" I love that phrase.
@bostonvair9 күн бұрын
One of.Joel's first hits and still one of my favorites. So profound. Another great melancholy hit from the Piano Man album: "Captain Jack"
@cshubsАй бұрын
His album The Stranger was one of the first three albums I ever bought (on cassette). I still consider it a perfect album.
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Oh wow! That‘s interesting to know
@happymethehappyone8300Ай бұрын
Billy Joel "The Stranger",, Trust me on this one my music lovin' sister. ❤
@rodneysisco6364Ай бұрын
LIFE is about going through difficulties , when one passes another one comes, yet within that sad frame work there are occasional beautiful moments that keep us going .
@billofalltrades2633Ай бұрын
Billy has a lot of great songs, your reaction was great ❤🙏
@ricknbacker5626Ай бұрын
My Empress, you look absolutely radiant. Motherhood definitely suits you beautifully. It is wonderful seeing you again!! Your humble servant, RNB
@TheFireMonkeyАй бұрын
I remember when this song came out - I loved it then and I still do now.
@edwardhubschman3610Ай бұрын
A beautiful reaction from a beautiful lady. You must take the dive down Billy’s rabbit hole, filled with dozens of iconic hits. One of the very greatest writers/singers/musicians/performers of the past half century. Try She’s Always a Woman, Lullaby, Vienna, And So it Goes, River of Dreams, New York State of Mind, Downeaster Alexa, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant …..I could go on and on.
@richardhargrave6082Ай бұрын
I've missed your beautiful smile, welcome back. Love the hair, you look amazing This is the best story song ever, its amazing As you say, it runs deep, its a wonderful piece of song writing, it sounds triumphant, until you listen to the lyrics
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Thank you so much!!
@UriahjwАй бұрын
Life is truly a circle or at least the acts that we do in life. I remember when I drank it certainly felt the way the song was. I was always drinking alone but as long as i was in the bar I could fool myself that I wasn't really alone. As a regular, I would get a few drinks free, but I didnt always accept them. It just felt wrong to me. This song always brings me back to those days.
@thomastimlin172410 күн бұрын
As a songwriter, Billy Joel is the George Gershwin of his generation and a national treasure. He studied classical piano, he didn't just bang the keys. if you don;t know who George Gershwin was, you'd better look him up and learn!!! Many songwriters have said they are envious of the line and wish they had thought of it: "They are sharing a drink they call loneliness, but it's better the drinking alone."
@TheFireMonkeyАй бұрын
This song is based on reality. Billy Joel worked as a bar performer for a time because he had a contract with a record company but he felt they were doing a bad job and he wanted out of the contract but they would not let him out. So he took off and found work playing piano and singing at a bar in a different city, he used a fake name so the company wouldn't find out. This song is about what he saw while he was doing that. He did end up getting a contract with a different record company and this was the first recording he did for the new company. After that he went on to become a big success.
@kevinconroy6108Ай бұрын
Have seen BJ live a half dozen times dating back to about 1976 or so. When he performs this he is playing both the piano and the harmonica.
@Ted-FitzGeraldАй бұрын
Billy Joel wrote this song when he was working as a piano player at a bar, while a record company stole the rights to his name. So he didn't release any music during that time. He wrote it from his own experience and people he saw and spoke to. Notice how everyone tells their story but nobody ever asked him how he was even though he was going through his own battles. I believe he was only in his teens when he wrote this!
@DavidCalvert-mh9syАй бұрын
Billy Joel has captured what the circle of life's all about. You live. You exist. Life happens. But the final message is, 'life is is the best message you can receive, embrace and enjoy to the fullest.'
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
You're correct ✅
@johnmurray-f9tАй бұрын
Wow! So good to see your pretty face again! Also at 2:52 that devastating smile...missed you.
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Hello @johurray-f9t it's been awhile! Good to have you here 😊
@pamagnoliaАй бұрын
Fabulous song!! One of my favorites! 😅
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
It is indeed "fabulous" Thank you so much Steve
@williamjones6031Ай бұрын
This was his break-out hit that started his journey to stardom. The story is about the people he met working The Executive Club in LA. My name's not Davy, but I stayed in the Navy for life. I don't regret it because it's the best thing I ever did. This video takes a little of my imagination. Example: A sailor in uniform doesn't need to point it out. "Yes, they're sharing a drink they call loneliness, but it's better than drinking alone."
@SteveBurkitt-rg4njАй бұрын
Great insight.Being a musician and played all over the U.S, your right, not much has changed through the years.Still one of his best.And may I say you look absolutely gorgeous. .
@TribblepuppyАй бұрын
Billy is the ultimate story teller. His story telling comes through on the many other songs he has written.
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Hi @Tribblepuppy, it's been awhile. How's your partner? Hope you all are doing good 👍
@susananderson1495Ай бұрын
It is common for the entertainers to get free drinks
@wgdavis5353Ай бұрын
Free Drinks for playing the piano and entertaining the people.. ♠MR.G..
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Hello Davis ☺️ Been awhile, I hope you're good 👍
@wgdavis5353Ай бұрын
@@EMPRESSJOYJEAN Hi Ms Empress, yes it has been awhile, I am still around checking Music on KZbin.. I still like music a lot.. How about you!?? ♠️Mr.G..
@dieselfeesul4928Ай бұрын
so sweet that it was her first concern
@brianmcafee2269Ай бұрын
You must have heard a 1000 or more times that you are so gorgeous and beautiful. But I genuinely love a first reaction to something so good as this. It warms my heart. I am sorry to tell you even more than your beauty
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Thank you so much 🤗
@vapors4villainsАй бұрын
A lot of people have recommended some other great Billy Joel songs, but please be sure not to miss his “Goodnight, Saigon,” which is another storytelling song about the Vietnam War and features real veterans. Edit to add: thank you for sharing!
@anway1953Ай бұрын
It doesn't matter if it makes you feel Happy or Sad. As long as it makes you feel Something,that's what counts!
@delanglo2Ай бұрын
Concerning B.Joel, "N.Y.Sate of Mind" is my favorite.... But as we are in the OG days, please react to Celine Dion 2024 Opening...from the circle flamme embrasement to the song "hymne à l'amour" You still look Great Empress! And always do great réactions!😉😘👍
@dominictucci6030Ай бұрын
Great heartfelt reaction beautiful lady!❤
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Glad you enjoyed 😊
@andreledauphinАй бұрын
You have to be in that time it was regular that the barman pay a drink to the piano man .whitout punishment . You know Billy Joel start his marvelous career as a piano man in the bar like the video .
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Interesting to know that he (Billy Joel) started his career as a piano man in a bar. Thank you 😊
@roberormondeАй бұрын
He should. Get his drinks for free.He's entertaining its timeless❤
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Sure, he deserves it!
@russ4862Ай бұрын
I am princess! Good to see you again and great reaction! 🙏😊❤️
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
You're the best!☺️
@karipaakkonen4013Ай бұрын
A very honest great song. The harmonica reminds me of Bob Dylan.
@dmjbj1Ай бұрын
I grew up with this song and have always loved it. But it is so wonderful to see a young person hear and react the way you did. ❤❤❤
@troedelgerryАй бұрын
Hello Joy-Jean ! I have been following your channel for quite a while now and I love your heartfelt and emotional reactions so much... but I just figured out thst you have never reacted to a very special song that I have been requesting for quite a while in the past. I would love to see and herefore kindly ask you to react to : Eivor - Falling free (Live at the Old Theater in Torshavn) I can tell you, you'll be mesmerized, blown away and speechless while watching and hearing this performance... it will give you goosebumps and chills, over and over again, just like this song did to me when I first heard it (and it still does after many years !) Best wishes from Germany : Gerry
@lawrenceb5236Ай бұрын
Nice reaction to this iconic song. A fun 1 from him is Uptown Girl, which features his wife, then later his ex-wife, Christy Brinkley.
@JohnSutter-n1r25 күн бұрын
Been looking for You ...Welcome Back !😅
@richardb.5691Ай бұрын
Love, love, love this song! Your reaction is perfect. Thank you. ❤❤❤
@mr.knowitall6440Ай бұрын
You're looking smashing, Empress! 💕😘🎱😎
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Thank you! 🤗
@rabooeyАй бұрын
Always great to see you Empress Joy, and always great to see you enjoying music that I grew up with. ❤
@MikeytheGeek7711Ай бұрын
Billy Joel is a brilliant songwriter, an incredible piano player and a fantastic singer! He has a LOT of great songs! I don't know how many Billy Joel songs you've heard, but since you love music from the 70's, do yourself and us a favor by doing a lot more Billy Joel reactions. Here are some great Billy Joel songs to start with: She's Always a Woman, Just The Way You Are, Goodnight Saigon, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant, New York State of Mind, Only The Good Die Young, The Stranger, It's Still Rock and Roll To Me, I've Loved These Days, Big Shot, Honesty, Pressure, We Didn't Start the Fire, Uptown Girl, You May Be Right, The Longest Time, Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), My Life, Miami 2017, Captain Jack, and more. The Longest Time is a cappella with multiple part harmonies and he sings all of the parts. Have fun discovering this musical genius!
@jkimball7093Ай бұрын
You are reacting exactly as i did when I heard this song. He is amazing
@user-mv4be1tc2uАй бұрын
Well done my dear ❤
@clemigula4228Ай бұрын
The artist/musician Tom Waits has a quote: “I like beautiful melodies telling me horrible things.” I think Piano Man is an excellent example of that idea. Also, listen to some Tom Waits. He’s a personal favorite and truly unique.
@ronaldmonroe7676Ай бұрын
A great reaction from a very beautiful woman keep up the good work ❤
@bernardmansire8642Ай бұрын
😁✌✌
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
✌️✌️😊
@detch5307Ай бұрын
I agree with the fellows below...you look fantastic Empress!
@arnie019Ай бұрын
Stunning woman
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
😊😊
@feather031Ай бұрын
Billy himself has said the song is a limerick set to music. If you recite the lyrics without singing them, you go Yeah, it's a limerick 😂 For the ultimate story telling Billy Joel song try "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." To quote Billy again, It is operatic in its aspirations.
@cherylsims5636Ай бұрын
One of my favorite songs too. I grew up in the to. I like your new look also..... For other great 70's try ""The Carpenters" Karen and brother Richard perhaps most famous vocalist's of the decade.Try ""On Top Of the World @Live at the White House '73"" Also a nice song ""Honey"" by Bobby Goldsboro The Helen Reddy worlds most famous female vocalist. Ok girl.
@anthonyconner2396Ай бұрын
Great reaction 🎉..check out Cheap Trick " The Flame " ❤ u 😊😊😊😊
@TheMajorActualАй бұрын
The song is based on real people and real places -- which is why it's so real, and poignant....You should really check out Billy Joel's song _We Didn't Start The Fire_
@marcuswood5975Ай бұрын
You look so nice today
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Oh thank you!
@robbielux8353Ай бұрын
The thing is the Piano Man is the loneliest one of them all and nobody cares to even acknowledge him as an actual person but rather just as an entertainer.
@candicelitrenta8890Ай бұрын
Not if you work there as he did working as the entertainment
@bubbaadams2866Ай бұрын
Listen to “Mr. Bojangles”
@feather031Ай бұрын
The Sammy Davis Jr. live version in Germany will have her crying her eyes out.😢
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Okay 👍
@EMPRESSJOYJEANАй бұрын
Oh wow! I'll definitely check this out. Thank you 😊