Billy Joel - Q&A: Can I Play On "New York State Of Mind"? (Vanderbilt 2013)

Throughout the years, Billy Joel has become known for his willingness to hold Q&A sessions with fans in settings across the globe. Here Billy is accompanied onstage for a live performance of 'New York State Of Mind' off the 1976 album Turnstiles at Vanderbilt University in 2013.
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Billy Joel's official KZbin channel features music videos, live performances, interviews, TV appearances and more. Best known for his first hit song, 'Piano Man', in 1973, Billy has written and recorded thirty-three Top 40 hits in the United States. He is a six-time Grammy Award winner, a 23-time Grammy nominee and one of the world's best-selling artists of all time, having sold over 150 million records worldwide. Billy Joel is the sixth-best-selling recording artist and the third-best-selling solo artist in the United States.

[@GriotDNB]

I frigging love coming back to this video every once in a while.

[@jasonboche]

Same!

[@bradfrancis5187]

Yup. A classic moment!

[@onthego147]

Same this is so great

[@pacificwhim]

Same here.

[@Cynful27]

Same here.

[@danielburfitt7985]

Anybody notice how Billy doesn’t even warm up his voice? Just steps up and smashes it out of the park - again. Legendary

[@user-tb2jy9lu3d]

He has a fairly natural voice. He also doesn't abuse it like a lot of rock stars. He probably did warm up a little before going on stage.

[@epo1980]

Of course he warms up, but not on stage...

[@ericsampson372]

At these Q&As, when asked about his inspiration/hidden meaning behind certain songs, he often sings them after explaining them. He came prepared.

[@BreadandFaxes]

You can see him warming up by drinking water right before he hits the mic. The good thing about singing is projecting your voice into a mic even talking to people like that will help you warm up.

[@08davey]

He had already sung several songs earlier that evening.

[@troyray7136]

“What key do you do it in” “What key do you want it in” What a gangsta lmao

[@mragunathan1627]

lol i still wonder why he played it in A# even though Bill said C

[@lukeciminelli2670]

@@mragunathan1627 Cuz Billy Joel started tuning his piano down a whole step as he got older.

[@stevenponte6655]

Bb to be precise. But yes I was wondering the same thing. I

[@stevenponte6655]

@Luke really? Is he tuning the piano lower these days or just playing the songs in a lower key?

[@lukeciminelli2670]

@@stevenponte6655 Yes check out some of Billy Joel's live videos of piano man when he's older, preferably a video where you can occasionally see his hands. You'll notice that the song is in Bb but when you look at his hands you'll see him playing the chords C C/B Am ect.

[@rightuppercut1426]

I love how Billy, before he starts singing, all relaxed is taking a couple of sips from his drink and puts on his sunglasses. He knows he’s in good hands. Talent recognizes talent.

[@4thegloryofthelord]

But just before that- in between Billy saying “okay,” and then quickly going over the song with him… you know Billy had to be sweating bullets, and screaming inside himself “NO, WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!”

[@zacharyolson1755]

Game recognize game gran’dad

[@barneyboy8156]

RU ... Sharp observation, there, man... very impressed ...

[@fafsa89]

He plays it great, but a little too fast. I think Billy recognizes this and goes with it like a total pro.

[@JGunit]

The prequel was a test to see if the kid had chops

[@claudec2588]

This is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

[@boxer12350]

Well said

[@blackholle455]

The defenition of luck, that is.

[@misternormL]

Most get only preparation meeting H.

[@Utkarsh_A]

@@blackholle455 Not luck really, he asked him if he could perform with him, that takes some serious balls

[@blackholle455]

Utkarsh Anand I simply quoted Seneca who said: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets oppurtunity.”

[@davelash8699]

"Guys got chops" is the biggest musical compliment from one to another.

[@JustinTrudeau1971]

Yep, it literally is. Michael saying “what key do you want it in?” is incredible.

[@freestyleskeer]

"What key do you play it in?" "What key do you want me to play it in?" AWESOME!!!

[@ErnieReid]

Because the kid would have to transpose the whole song to Billy's chosen key right there on the spot. Not many musicians can do that instantly. Cheers!

[@TomMcGovern]

Brandon Houle this was the highlight for me!

[@jakehuntmusic_]

Nah, it's cause Billy doesn't want to do it in a higher vocal range, I think the kid over played it slightly, but, we're all guilty of that, still, an amazing performance by both

[@agento1001]

LOL The Kid overplayed it.... hes on stage with Billy fucking Joel, give him a break

[@Ergoperidot]

I'm sure he knows the tune in every key. Every jazz musician should learn pieces they like in every key so it makes sense, especially if he's a music major.

[@Sox214]

Writes on resume: Billy Joel says I have chops. You’re hired. 😬

[@bealtesandfloyd]

Tomas O. Now that’s a quality professional reference right there 😎

[@modelcitizen1977]

I mean, my entire resume would be my name, my phone number and a link to this KZbin video.

[@DBIGDEENO]

Exactly 😂

[@MorRobots]

This is what happens when a legend encounters those he inspires.

[@Yumemaru.]

4real ❤🎧

[@Johnny5]

NO TRUER WORDS!! :)

[@ayokay123]

A legend who isn't an asshole. Unless, of course, you ask Christie. :D

[@snowman374th]

No doubt!

[@unluckykeys]

This is the best case scenario, I don't think it's quite common, though

[@IceRex]

“Mom, you won’t believe what happened at school.”

[@mbaumberger85]

Funny under rated comment

[@albertledesma5173]

Mom: “Oh that’s nice honey. Could you set the table please?”

[@da.reverend]

Right??!!

[@da.reverend]

@@albertledesma5173 Yup. 🤣

[@celesasheldon6931]

Points

[@Spider_7_7]

When Billy Joel applauds your piano playing, you KNOW you are good!

[@jpracingph]

No. When Billy Joel says you got chops, you got CHOPS. :)

[@JesseReinosa]

jpracingph Billy does clap right before saying that

[@jeromecordel5908]

Now I know why Billy Joel never applauded my piano playing !

[@Squirrelconga]

Kid can flat PLAY! He's hamming it ALL the way up!

[@gangpardos3833]

Dude was nasty tho

[@alexpeighty7]

Michael Pollock is now a songwriter/producer that has written for Many top artists including Maroon 5 (Memories and Nobody's Love), Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and Jonas Brothers. This is someone who knows their craft and has confidence in it.

[@LednacekZ]

He wrote for popular artists. I would not call any of those Top artists.

[@clairem5223]

awesome! thank you!

[@squirlmy]

The question is whether this opportunity helped, or would he have done well anyways. I never, knowingly, got an opportunity like this. My life is a pitiful mess now. Should I go around begging artists for a chance? IDK

[@magicman322]

@@LednacekZ - Like them or not, yeah, he’s right, “Top Artists.” Just accept it and don’t be THAT guy.

[@gustafsone]

@@squirlmy He would have turned out just fine without this opportunity. I highly doubt that the people he has written/produced for came to him because they saw this video and remembered his name. If anything, those people probably find out about this video after the fact and enjoy it just as much as we do.

[@landondyer]

1:40, thinks "Hmmm, maybe this won't suck." 1:50, nods to himself, "Yup, gonna need the sunglasses." I like watching this video from time to time, it's very uplifting.

[@ThePmacattack]

I was in the audience for this. What a moment!!

[@neilopfer5687]

Cool!!

[@x2wheelthrottle253]

Very fortunate !!

[@FreejackVesa]

I'm jealous! I was in Nashville for work and I stayed right by Vandy. Took a look around the campus, and hung out with some students at a bar. Fun place to go to school

[@scm0717]

I'm jealous.

[@keemyfoke]

Michael Pollack is a legend. Dude saw his moment and took it. he just won BMI Pop Songwriter of the year

[@colbs237]

That is so awesome!

[@RHStevens1986]

Nobody will ever be as cool as this kid was in that moment

[@jaredmartin5329]

Fun fact: this guy went on to write "Memories" for Maroon 5 and is a professional musician today.

[@rupert5581]

For real? That's pretty cool

[@thebat8997]

Who the piano guy

[@michaeldonahue8138]

@@thebat8997 no.. billy Joel

[@56llama]

@@michaeldonahue8138 I laughed way too hard at this 😂😂😂

[@jdlm9]

@@michaeldonahue8138 Actually I remember reading somewhere years ago that only billy Joel knows why they’re called Maroon 5

[@JamesHahnII]

You know what it takes to play on stage with Billy Joel? It takes brass balls to play on stage with Billy Joel. Legend.

[@jamil3834]

And then this guy just won grammy for song of the year yesterday. You gotta love it.

[@tvanarsdel]

For those who don't know, Michael has become an accomplished songwriter and just won a Grammy for co-writing "Flowers" with Miley Cyrus

[@scm0717]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@tvanarsdel]

@Mr.GreenHands-hi9oi en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Pollack_(songwriter)

[@Zenthral]

1:21 That moment when Billy Joel is helping you with sheet music and Billy Joel comes and fixes your microphone.

[@tassymccormick]

Zenthral this comment made me laugh out loud.

[@SquirrelLazer]

Ditto

[@klintnyren4108]

Haha, funny guy

[@uppercutgrandma4425]

Lolololol

[@ferris5150]

the best comment i've ever read

[@R4Y2k]

"I was wondering if I could play with you?!" "Ok" Great guy.

[@jackadams5125]

I would've broke down into tears if I was that guy playing the piano, tears of happiness.

[@choicoinchovui]

?????

[@jackkenefick2696]

When you start Billy Joel's new york state of mind and billy joel is leaning on your piano staring straight across at you...

[@jimmurphy6095]

No pressure at all.....

[@vincentlem2534]

Yes. Imagine playing New York State of Mind having Joel Sipping a drink staring you in the eyes as if saying, Okay Hot Shot, Let's see if you got it. The kid plays it saying, Just Listen. I got this! No Problemo!

[@wickedgrin]

How tremendously gracious, something that guy will never forget.

[@Squirrelconga]

Yeah! Class act

[@christophermartin972]

I thought it was also nice if Bill joel too

[@andybaldman]

That guy is a successful musician now. He wrote Maroon 5’s ‘Memories’.

[@BabyLambCreations]

Hard to believe it’s been 10 years since this incredible event happened. Mad respect to Billy Joel for graciously letting Michael Pollack accompany him on the piano and seeing talent in him. Michael is an insanely great piano player, much like Billy himself, and I’m glad this performance led to him becoming a professional songwriter.

[@robgoald]

"Guy's got chops" Coming from Billy Joel, these are the highest words of praise.. Great moment.

[@acerjuglans383]

Even today, after all these decades, Billy's voice is still 100% rock solid.

[@Tbob17]

All I saw was in Billy’s eyes thinking...”man , that’s a great song I wrote and this kid is nailing it”......

[@MorvoldPress]

It's so important for established artists to recognize and give opportunity to the next generation. I just absolutely adore Billy Joel for this opportunity he granted -- the graciousness and lack of ego in letting some complete stranger come up on stage at YOUR concert and deliver an absolutely wonderful rendition of one of your most beloved songs -- that takes a special person. It's inspiring, and it's wonderful.

[@dennisdelaney9057]

There are few times in your life where you have to go "all in" and hope that you're up to the challenge. This was one of those times for that young man - and a classy move by Billy to let him play.

[@timkies3997]

What a class act by Billy Joel. Many artists are not willing to do something like this. It makes the ones who are willing to do so even more relatable.

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Yep, very generous.

[@christopherwalton7038]

That kids got some talent. And some balls for asking in the first place.

[@florisdejong1512]

@@LifetimeNewYorker actually no, the grand piano is a electric piano, which has a transpose button. He could've played it in C and transpose -2 so it would sound like B flat

[@bpmiller87]

Could you imagine having Billy freaking Joel telling the audience to remember your name??

[@kanealson5200]

There is no question that this kid can play the piano amazingly well but the real professionalism comes through Billy Joel who chose not to sing the song exactly like the record but by listening carefully, still makes the playing seem inspired. Normally the performer sets the pace but here he couldn't, so kudos Billy Joel for singing to the piano playing. What a great sport. That was nice and it was a nice surprise that this Michael Pollock had amazing chops to make it sound as good as it did. That is not ordinary piano playing by any means. Pollock was paying attention too and it showed. What a great moment.

[@beethockmtee8565]

Billy realized Pollock was giving it a bit of Ray Charles so Billy followed suit 😂

[@MichaelRicksAherne]

10 years later, this kid wins a Grammy.

[@johnnycoolguy9554]

Man, I thought you were kidding. You were not. For those who haven't done the deep dive, this student is Michael Pollack. He has written songs for Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Beyonce, and Miley Cyrus. He has had 3 #1 songs and won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 2024 for "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus. He's a legit superstar writer.

[@jt92]

@@johnnycoolguy9554 You know someone has "made it" when they have a wikipedia page that takes you like half an hour to read. I wonder if Billy was at the grammy awards when he won and was like "I knew he was gonna do fine"

[@JohnSmith-sq7cv]

This is what happens when a musical savant meets a savant. This song is extremely difficult to play properly. It's as technical as a modern day piece comes. Big jazz chords out of a Billy Joel music book. The kid plays more than whats printed on Joel's sheet music. If you play...you can tell in the first 2 seconds, this kid couples the chords with improvision. This video is an exceptional example of nothing short of pure musical talent. Literally Incredible!

[@thefonzkiss]

He’s not looking at the sheet music bro.

[@pleasegrowabrain]

WTF is "improvision"? Like virtual reality goggles?

[@FreejackVesa]

@@pleasegrowabrainyour username checks out. Improvisation is making slight changes to a composition to give it some flair. There are varying levels of improvisation. Jazz improv can be pretty wild

[@guypainter]

I don't know if this was genuinely spontaneous, but I don't really care... this is a great song and this is the best version I've heard.

[@fiddleshe]

That is so polished it's hard to believe it was impromptu! Amazing!

[@rjd2633]

Listen to Pollack when he's in the crowd. He'd played this song several times with Ritchie Cannata in NYC. Google that name and you'll realize why he dropped it in his request.....

[@stuart8663]

It may not have been. But he was fantastic anyway. researchasahobby.com/billy-joel-and-michael-pollack-was-it-setup-show

[@thames21]

Stu Art Wtf is this website? It’s called research I have done, but it’s just full of assumptions.

[@bradleybrown8399]

fiddleshe that's what being a pro is about to

[@RileyTech]

Stu Art if it was staged, Billy would have known where to hold his hands. Look at him. He has no idea where his hands go when he’s not playing

[@marieb.8437]

Even more beautiful than Billy Joel's music, is his kindness. In just a few minutes, he gave this talented young artist a huge boost and no doubt saved him lots of time launching his career. Thank you, Billy. ❤❤

[@johnmoore3930]

this is one of those great moments where you want to cry for humanity..... beautiful man, beautiful song... and the kid kills it

[@federicogonzalez7126]

Coulnd 'be more agree with you.

[@DRJY-fe5hs]

This dude’s gonna remember this for the rest of he’s life, and he’ll be proud...

[@Breakbeats92.5]

There is no shortage of talent out there as you can see. The ones who make it are not necessarily the most gifted, but rather the ones that are relentless in their pursuit of their dreams.

[@mbaumberger85]

That should be on a poster for everybody's endeavors.

[@martinslvsten428]

"You are gonna do fine", Billy Joel said. He sure did. After this video went viral he signed a deal with warner chapell music and has since written songs for Maroon 5, Bieber, Celine Dion, and Miley Cyrus amongst others. In february 2020 he got his first Top 40 radio #1 with Maroon 5 and the song "Memories".

[@rupert5581]

So it is real. Damn that makes me so happy.

[@cgo2551]

When Billy Joel says remember that name...you remember that fucking name!!

[@NeverSaySandwich1]

Y

[@briandeschene8424]

@@NeverSaySandwich1 Because it foreshadows this... en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Pollack_(musician)

[@sk8rdad]

This never gets old no matter how many times I watch it.

[@jonbishop1385]

This video teaches me 2 things, Billy What a humble, generous Artist you are ! and 2nd , There some incredibly talented people out there ! Fantastic video, Thanks for sharing

[@bakerstreet101]

I never really noticed that the piano accompaniment is a modern masterpiece. So iconic.

[@waterman3230]

Every time I watch this, I just smile. What a great event. Took guts to ask, and then Billy was kind enough to take the risk and say yes, and it all worked out 🙂. Just magical.

[@rosannadesole9092]

Dear Billy, you are one of the most extraordinary musicians in the history of world music. Your songs accompany my days. I thank you for all your musical commitment, and I wish you to play and sing for many years to come. I told my daughter that when I fly beyond the earth she must play your music to accompany me. I love you Billy Joel.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️

[@sputnikalgrim]

Confidence and preparation, and a huge set of steel balls. If ya don’t ask ya don’t get. Now he’s got a story.

[@GoWarriors]

I took piano lessons for 10 years and there’s no way I could transpose this song on the spot. Pure talent

[@EE-gg3xf]

Pretty sure he just played it in C (the original key) and they just used the electric piano’s transpose function.

[@GoWarriors]

I don’t think that’s an electric piano. Probably a good old baby grand in college auditorium. Plus billy shows him the music sheet and Michael doesn’t need it. He can play this song with his eyes closed

[@jemsar2]

Billy's got the piano tuned down already. He was asking the kid if he could play it in another key if he had to. That's a sign of musicianship.

[@JohnSink277]

@@EE-gg3xf he played it 2 semitones lower than normal, in Bb major I think

[@stevecrawford333]

Thats because you took lessons, teaches nothing about the ear

[@gsuscan1]

What a class act Mr Joel they certainly don't make them like you anymore and

[@austindovel2139]

And what?

[@Brendan7001]

Yeah, I need to know, it's been 3 years, Kate.

[@sorucha8249]

damn it Kate

[@clydesfries9295]

Please dont leave us hanging kate, we deserve to know the rest of your comment

[@choicoinchovui]

Why

[@jivebunny3765]

Don't mind me, I'm just passing through for my weekly viewing.

[@Moviefan2k4]

That is very cool - not a lot of musicians would agree to such an unexpected request, right on the spot.

[@LS2MGB]

He said he's played with Richie Cannata many times. Guess who Richie is- Billy Joel's long time saxophonist. You can imagine that Richie wouldn't play with some beginner regularly just for kicks, so Billy wasn't taking so much of a chance. But still good on him for giving Michael a shot, and even bigger props to him for giving it up to Michael at the end. Billy Joel, a true professional and a real gentleman. The young punk artists these days could learn a lot from him.

[@nitetrane98]

@@LS2MGB Yeah, I was thinking this wasn't quite as impromptu as they would have you believe.

[@TNbeachgirl30a]

And I have just fallen in love with Billy Joel all over again!!!!

[@billyjoel786]

Thanks for the love and support for years ❤️... it's really nice meeting you here.

[@GeauxWyatt]

I wish I could play piano like that dude. There's gonna hopefully be a great generation of music ahead. I'm ready for it

[@cameronleesimpson5742]

Wyatt Brownell Well,be prepared,cause we musicians are gonna take this by storm.

[@armadillotoe]

Learn to play, then repeat it flawlessly 10,000 times. That is all there is to it. ..... except for the raw talent also.

[@kevinzhang3313]

There always is, you just never hear it in "popular music."

[@samglover4923]

armadillotoe except the thing called improv

[@Taphaon8]

this didn’t age well

[@山笠ジョージ]

I sometimes visit here because this performance is very impressive. Unforgettable!

[@OAleathaO]

I think what this proves is that if you are very good at something, NEVER be afraid to demonstrate it. Even if it is in front of someone who is considered a master of their craft.

[@patrickzadd5215]

such a beautiful, magical moment how am I just seeing this for the first time in my life…. I love Billy Joel…..

[@jasonszotak8017]

I feel like not enough people have seen this

[@RumbleFish69]

You're right. And five years later, enough people still haven't seen it!

[@frndofbear]

I've made up for at least 20 people who have not.

[@samuellrodd1214]

And then trash like despacito and baby shark get over 1 billion views. The world is messed up

[@coandog1]

I like how Billy Joel just says "Okay ".

[@josephst.george7841]

Billy Joel and Paul McCartney (from what I’ve heard from people who’ve met them) are two of the best people in the entire industry to meet. Honestly such down to earth guys despite their massive massive success and talent. Tonight I’ll be seeing Mr. Joel’s last show at Madison Square Garden and I’m extremely excited! I am gonna miss seeing him at MSG, it’s been so much fun every time I’ve even fortunate enough to go.

[@AlanStransman]

Years later, this video is still brilliant an all levels....

[@teddavid9310]

Gives me chills every time I see it. Kudos to Mr. Pollack AND to Billy for being so gracious!

[@robgoald]

When preparation meets opportunity...great things can happen. Amazing, simply amazing.

[@derekogilvie6942]

Is it okay to say that I cried during and after this? This was just fabulous - on so many levels - but mostly the unbelievable talent and the love of music from both men just blew my mind.

[@spud13x13]

I love that Michael Pollack nailed this, approached the moment with great respect, and that he's had great success in the decade since. I don't need to say anything about Mr. Joel. For anyone that cares or feels the same as me, I'll add some personal reflections. I've been fortunate to be able to travel this country and the world, and I've been able to see amazing places and people, but my permanent address has had the initials NY at the end of it for my entire life. From Sullivan to Orange county as a child, then to NYC for college, up to Rhinecliff, back down to Yorktown, then Ithaca and settling in finally to the Binghamton area, but with the recent addition of a little cottage on Lake Ontario in Cape Vincent. This is not a brag; I live a modest life. It's just that this state has so much beauty, so much diversity, and so much to offer. I could be happy in many other places. But I'm in a New York State of mind.

[@benh1496]

This guy is an absolute legend, not only did he ask BILLY JOEL to ACCOMPANY him but he played it superbly. what balls and what an opportunity lol Also I heard the Stevie wonder, Elton, Sinatra impressions and one more I couldn’t make out

[@NNJPRGreg]

Still watching in 2021....

[@nolan9101]

I don’t cry often at all, but every time I come back to this video, I start to. Billy Joel has been my favorite artist since I can remember listening to music, and I know and love every one of his songs thanks to my dad. I’ve been to two of his concerts and they were some of the best moments in my life- once again, two of the things that have made me cry. I’d honestly give anything to play for Billy Joel like this amazing guy. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to play the piano. So I’ve decided that I’ll learn, starting when I wake up. My friend and I have agreed to put time into learning to play (me, piano, him, guitar) and we agreed that in a year’s time, we’ll find somewhere to perform for people- whether it be a Mexican restaurant or a park. Please, anybody reading this, hold me accountable for what I’ve said. If you see this comment here in a year, ask me how I’ve come along on upholding that pact. I’ll post a video of us performing. To anybody that finds themself moved by this video in a similar way, find a friend and do what I’ve done.

[@rightuppercut1426]

Nolan: Best of luck, man. Good for you, setting goals like this. Hope to see again in one year how far you guys have come.

[@tripleb1436]

Keep it up!

[@jeffreykropschot3970]

I appreciate and can relate to your commentary. The one and only album I bought for my father was by Billy Joel, because he liked the song “Just the Way You Are.” I tear up each time I see this as well. How is your music coming along?

[@KyleHynes]

I know it's three years later, but how did it go?

[@aiden1550]

Its been 3 years, how is the progress?

[@benwilson6559]

I believe Billy Joel is the most genuine, down to earth artist out there. Never met the guy, probably never will... But he just gives me that feeling.

[@scm0717]

I saw this several years ago. This is so awesome. Michael Pollack does have some chops and thank you Billy for introducing him to us!!!!

[@coffeehigh420]

thats a beautiful thing. thank you Billy for working with this young guy... you have no idea what you've done for him I'm sure!

[@mrguy561]

You don't ask that question unless you're a master. Guy's got massive talent (and balls).

[@jamesshank7918]

I come back to this every now and then just to see someone who got the chance of a lifetime, and crushed it. Also shows how giving Billy Joel can be.

[@zedxxx9]

I'm happy for Michael, and I'm happy for Billy Joel whose voice is as fine as ever in this recording. He's still got it in spades. I'm also happy for all of us who got to witness this special moment. Glad someone was filming.

[@ofkhod3638]

All the times he practiced this song, or practiced playing piano ever, were worth it for this moment. Legendary.

[@MCMNasty2]

This is such a super cool moment. I come back and watch it every now and then and It gives me chills every time.

[@andylaw4988]

Mr. Billy Joel,badass to allow this cat to accompany you ( he killed it) and to perhaps have helped launch a young man's career!!! This is so cool...can you imagine how cloud nine high this kid was!! The internet is awesome in that it allows the world to see moments like these!! So cool!!

[@nate1988]

This brings me to tears everytime. I love this tune and seeing humble, humility, and a chance for a very talented dude to get his chance to shine. Chills! And he ROCKED it.

[@Wilcox3]

After many years of being a fan of his music, this coming July I will be seeing Billy Joel in concert for the first time ever. I don't even care how far back the seat is, just being able to be there is going to be well worth it.

[@dougringler]

I've watched this many times. And I love it. Talent, risk, and reward. It's so amazing to watch

[@justinjoshy5058]

1:50 To say I had goosebumps when he started the intro riff would be an understatement.

[@phoebegraveyard7225]

I loved the Sinatra snipet. This was just pure fun and happiness. I'm grinning now.

[@StormRaven1]

Knocked it outta the park!.

[@jlsicard]

Not entirely unlike the time Sir Paul sat in with a wedding band for a few songs at the wedding of his new wife's son. Absolute thrill of a lifetime it must have been.

[@loganreece3263]

jlsicard McCartney?

[@awmperry]

How many times have I watched this now? I don't really care, I'm back again.

[@southernsunshine1149]

Love it! Billy is my all time fav❤️❤️

[@billyjoel786]

Hello Fan, Thanks for the love and support for years ❤️... it's really nice meeting you here.

[@louisbisignano4340]

When your from New York it’s ingrained in your psyche,smells,attitudes,personalities,the hustle unlike anywhere on Earth,Billy Joel you nailed it ty.

[@lauracooks4926]

Billy you’re the man-an East ender

[@johnnystir9796]

Billy is so amazing and generous with his fans.

[@thebroaditorium6594]

When the Musicianship clicks and you're in-the-zone...that's what it's all about. Brilliant job, guys!

[@gracealexandre3381]

I just love how Billy Joel is always 'down to earth' with his audience. Unlike many artists, he never treats his fans as if he's better.

[@JTD472]

I love the black guy in the audience at 1:20 laughing and repeating “what key do YOU want it in?” Hahah And before you get offended, it’s ok I can say that because I’m black and attended this and laughed at that and am also that black guy

[@ajfitzgerald2559]

LMAO

[@izzy_dz]

nice

[@kevinzhang3313]

Yeah right. But no need for for a disclaimer anyway lol

[@owenmitchelll]

@4640jds Buddy it was a describing factor. An adjective.

[@martinraxyz]

I yelled "Yeah!" In the audience! You can't see me either! Duh! Well you got your comment! By the way, I was the one wearing the navy blue shirt, with a bit of white around the collar! I was next to you! 😂

[@jamesshank7918]

I come back and watch over and over...

[@da.reverend]

I never tire of watching this. Bravo to both of them.

[@briane5706]

Another song of Billy Joel’s that is just SOOO perfect. The guy on the piano is just awesome.He’ll get work without doubt.

[@fw1421]

Billy is a really cool guy. A New York icon. Very generous.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@edwardcannon9199]

this is why i love Billy Joel and his music he doesn't put himself on a pedestal above others he realizes the human factor in both of us and wants to genuinely keep his fans in the best way ever the day we lose you Mr. Joel will be a day my heart sinks keep up your good music and great mind in New York of course cus that's my state of mind