Rap Fan FIRST time REACTION to Billy Joel - Piano Man! This is perfect... ​⁠

[@brianlafrazia8237]

This is what happens when GREAT storytelling meets incredible musical talent. Great reaction, gentlemen.

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

If you are going to kick off a recording career, THIS is the way to do it.

[@leecloaked1059]

that's how songs came to be poems and rimes story telling whit a instrument and a voice way back then

[@joeesparks7]

Man o man...really enjoyed the vibe on this one, so I had to check out more!👌🏽 Thanks fir having me again!👊🏽💯

[@shorttimer874]

Billy Joel wrote this about the period when he was playing in piano bars and due to contract restrictions had to use another name.

[@dawnpatterson8708]

This was a BLAST to watch. Flash back to when you started your channel. Sharing the LOVE for great music. You will REALLY like Billy Joel. Have a SUPER AWESOME day. ❤🤗❤

[@mlbw1966]

Loved to see Ya luv the PIANOMAN NEW BIT OF INFO..YA HEAR THE HARMONICA IN THE BACKGROUND... BILLY JOEL IS PLAYING THE HARMONICA. LIVE CONCERT BILLY PLAYS PIANO AND HARMONICA... HE JUST DIDNT DO HARMONICA IN THIS 80MTV VIDEO BILLY JOEL IS A LEGEND !! SEEN YA TWICE AS GUEST REACTION... I'M FIXING TO TAP INTO YOUR REACTION CHANNEL. BILLY JOEL LEGENDARY LISTEN AGAIN THAT HARMONICA IS BILLY'S MAGIC 🎩 ✨️ SOUTHERN NOLA BELLE 🔔

[@pandsrock]

Billy hasn't put out a bad song.

[@mikeobrien2451]

Different piano bars??? It’s one bar as far as I can see with the whole cast characters in it

[@JohnWilson-po2uk]

The song is based on Joel’s experience as a lounge performer in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. He performed as such for about six months between 1972 and 1973 at the now-defunct Executive Room bar in the Wilshire district. He’d move to California from his native New York to avoid the record company he’d signed a contract with after the poor performance of his album, Cold Spring Harbor. Joel lived in L.A. for about three years working under the name “Bill Martin” since he couldn’t use his own name, due to contract issues. And all of the people highlighted in the song are based on Joel’s real-life encounters. John at the bar was an actual bartender who worked during Joel’s shifts. Paul the real estate novelist is a real estate agent who was also named Paul, and each night he sat at the bar and worked on what might become the next great American novel. The waitress who practiced politics was Joel’s first wife, Elizabeth Weber, whom he moved to L.A. with in 1972. She also worked at The Executive Room while Joel performed.

[@claybmt]

I love reaction channels because it's about as close as I'll ever get to being able to hear a song I've loved for years for the fist time again. Seeing the joy of someone else experiencing a song for the first time can almost be as magical as you hearing a song for the first time...if that makes any sense at all.

[@aaroncote6750]

Yeah, same here. BP’s reactions remind me of when I first heard his songs as a kid and how I felt about his music. I was lucky enough to meet him at a USO Tour in the Philippines while in the Air Force. He did a lot for the military and many of us will always remember and appreciate the time he spent with us, even for only a few hours…

[@ddmaul]

That's the best description of the attraction of reaction videos I've ever read. You're right: we get to both relive AND share the joy of discovery of our favorites.

[@1Anach]

One night at the bar the juke box went out in the middle of this song.... The whole bar paused then picked up where the juke box died and we sang it out till the end. Good times and great song!

[@andrewschliewe6392]

Billy Joel doesn't even have to sing at his concerts, the crowd knows all the lyrics.

[@mrsgrim688]

Don't let haters of reactions bother you. Anybody with a true love of music enjoys very much getting to see somebody hearing a favorite tune for the first time. For me, it's like being able to share a lovely memory with a new friend and I'm always jazzed for the sake of the new fan for all the great new music you have in store for you. So, you just keep those reactions coming.

[@shirleybhs9zd6li5i]

Amen. Blessings all.

[@rubyslippers8215]

👍Perfect sentiments. Totally agree with you.

[@waltercrain2910]

"man, what are you doing here?" means they think he's too good to be playing a dive bar like this. i.e., he should be famous.

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

He doesn't only "Do" those songs, he's the writer of them and so many other classics.

[@SherriLyle80s]

I also recommend Billy Joel's _Scenes From Italian Restaurant_ is chef's kiss.

[@donnaewe3692]

I second this :-)

[@rjross1087]

Such a brilliant song. “They’re singing a song they call loneliness, but it’s better than drinking alone” - what a line. Great reaction!

[@korybeavers6528]

This song originally came out in the early 70's, when Billy released his Greatest Hits Vol.1 and 2, they made this video for Mtv to remind everybody of the hits on the release

[@rubyslippers8215]

I'm sure someone has already mentioned this, but this song was loosely based on Billy Joel's real life experience working as the piano player in a bar. He cut ties with his record company, moved to LA, and needed to pay the bills to support himself. He wasn't allowed to use his real name. At the end of the song, you see the name he used - "Bill Martin." When he says people say "Man, what are you doing here?" It was that people recognized him. FYI - Uptown girl was based on his relationship/marriage to Supermodel Christy Brinkley...she's the Uptown girl in the video! Enjoy!

[@Pat3101]

He didn’t have kids at this time. First child is Alexa Ray whom he had with Christy Brinkley. I think his first wife Elizabeth was his manager in his early years.

[@Pat3101]

BP reacted to this 4 months ago but it was good to see him and his buddy enjoying it. I think BP didn’t like the way the waitress was treated when he did the first reaction, which I totally get. I could tell it was his friends first time hearing it. Love the reaction. The entire Plano Man album is great. I was in high school and we played it a lot. Your My Home is another great one from this album.

[@rubyslippers8215]

@@Pat3101 My bad. You are correct.👍 I should have done more in-depth research on the "Interwebs." TY for the clarification. I changed my post to reflect the info.

[@boomeister2]

When he says people say "Man, what are you doing here?" It isn't because they recognized him. He wasn't famous yet. They say that because he is so talented they are wondering why he is playing in this little dive bar.

[@gerrygardner]

Actually Uptown girl is based of his relationship with Elle McPherson, When it came time for the video that relation had ended and in was in a new one with Christy Brinkley so m any people think the song is about her and it fits since Elle was also a super model ;) Lucky man to have been with both of those ladies especially from the point of view of the teenage boy I was in the 80's. Billy is amazing to witness live, I've seen him 8 times and be has never disappointed, The last time was about 2 or 3 summers ago while Billy is in his 70's his voice is still spot on!

[@Reiki0525]

Saw Billy Joel in concert several times (and with Elton John once) & he ends his concerts with Piano Man. Everyone sings the song with him. Thousands of people in a coliseum singing. Epic concerts.

[@VroodenTheGreat]

Billy Joel doesn't sell front row tickets to his shows. He has a guy that gives them to the ppl in the back the day of the show. True story.

[@wendeclare]

You should watch him play this live. He will play the harmonica and piano at the same time!

[@AngieAddy]

Billy Joel is a truly great storyteller. If you havent already……listen to She is always a woman to me.

[@cej7519]

One of the things I love about this song is that it’s written in 3/4 time, so it’s a waltz. It gives it that “sway” that Joe mentioned, and makes it so pleasing to the ears.

[@trekkiexb5]

The tune is in 3/4 time, a waltz and the lyrics are all limericks. So simple, so amazing. One of the best songs ever written. It's in my top five. If I know every word even after years of not hearing, and I want to hear it over and over again, it's a song of destiny.

[@jimreilly917]

😮 I didn’t realize the Limerick thing til you said it…amazing.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

The two guys swaying in unison without even knowing it tells you everything you need to know about the quality of this song.

[@carnick1201]

Billy Joel is THE PIANO MAN! As a youth he studied to be a classical pianist!! Aren’t we all glad THAT didn’t work out!😂😂😂

[@jakerobinson5978]

My favorite aspect of this song is that the most memorable part of it is not the piano; it's the harmonica.

[@wendyryder2708]

Totally agree! LOVE the harmonica!

[@DzwP52]

That's Billy on the harmonica. He can play it and the piano at the same time.

[@jakerobinson5978]

@@DzwP52 Whoosh!

[@bite-sizedshorts9635]

"Piano Man" was Billy Joel's first hit, back in the early 70s when I was in college.

[@robertbobcat-xi1lm]

It's so rare to see you so relaxed., with so little need to interject..,dare we say you were just enjoying your self., good for you!

[@LongandWeirdName]

All the best to Paul who "never had time for a wife" and Davey who is "in the navy". Glad the two guys found each other. Really happy for them.

[@Plasmastorm73_n5evv]

Some people can sing, some can play piano, some can write songs...and only one of them is Billy Joel.

[@bubbabear2758]

Dude!! This song has been a classic since the 70's for many Bar Flys, thanks for bringing back memories of GOOD TIMES for this old Dude!!

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Top 20 song all-time.

[@theodoreritola7641]

Did you know that in the early 1970s MONGO JERRYs song In the Summer time is the number 5 selling song of ALL YIME ?

[@warrenhughes911]

Yo.. React to HURRICANE..by Bob Dylan..it's my fav..

[@RiverSong5683]

New York State of Mind, live, fabulously Billy.

[@williamosullivan8855]

Truest bar culture for sure. We were all there once. Knowing everyone’s name and feeling this way. And the piano man gives you away. It’s sad but true

[@brianclassen5221]

Uptown Girl was about his wife Super Model Christie Brinkley. She was and is amazing.

[@cowetascore8476]

Actually, it was about both Christie and Elle MacPherson, who he dated before Christie

[@ClassicRollPlayer]

Watching their heads move at 1.75x tells you how good the song is

[@ianwallace5646]

Always loved this song, but it never even occurred to me that it might have a video to check out.

[@marshalmoomins]

Love Billy. Been listening since early 80s and An Innocent Man. Got so many albums still on vinyl.

[@edwardhubschman3610]

Billy is one of the very greatest singer/songwriter/musicians of the past 50 years. His catalogue contains literally dozens of records equal to this one, though extremely varied. You won’t go wrong listening to anything he’s put out. In his 70’s now, he’s had a long residency at Madison Square Garden having sold out the 20K venue 100 times.

[@tsiyaama4244]

You two swaying in synch is all I needed to make my night.

[@suemiller2522]

A few weeks ago, I saw Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel at Soldier Field in Chicago. For 76 and 75 years old, they both still put on fantastic shows, and they both still sound amazing live. When Billy played this song, he cut all the music for the last chorus (I think) and the audience sang it. Goosebumps.

[@stevehamilton8824]

It is perfection! Nothing more to say. Billy can write, sing and play music. Iconic song and artist.

[@gpal86]

There is at least one video that shows Billy playing the piano and the harmonica in this song. Talent overload.

[@evalehde3869]

He still does that on stage. The harmonica strapped to his head.

[@827dusty]

Everyone in the Bar has a story of their life. Billy hit this one out of the park. Great song.

[@endoraismygma]

Billy is one of the BEST Songwriters in history. I wasn't crazy about some of his 80's songs but everything else he's done is so freaking good. I love seeing new ppl come on the Billy Joel Train, his Library is long and this was a great one to start with.

[@RichardKeys-l9m]

The amazing music of my youth . . . the 60's & 70's. Explore and learn!

[@suzanneprock7286]

"She's Always A Woman" and "Just The Way You Are" have always been my favorites. Love Billy Joel, saw him 3 times, twice in the 70's once in the 90's with Elton John. I was fortunate to see Billy Joel and Elton John together on their tour in 1995, it was an awesome show, they sang each other's songs and I have to say Bill Joel stole the show but I grew up with both and love both much.

[@RocknRollDina]

Billy is a great storyteller. I can envision every scene he sang about

[@IZZY_EDIBLE]

You're down an amazing rabbit hole now. One of the best songwriters of all time. We saw him live recently, and he's a fantastic performer, too.

[@danpals7678]

This or Don't stop believing meant it was time to leave the bar and we all sang it together. Really good times.

[@davidberesford7009]

Great song. The music may be upbeat, but the lyric is so very sad. Guys, Keep Reacting!

[@AttackChefDennis]

You guys know that Piano Bars are still a thing. Every cruise ship has a piano bar, and it will be packed every night

[@mlbw1966]

@@AttackChefDennis Yes I'm aware...not a cruise ship lover. But I do enjoy a piano pub and or bar... No one has thought they are no longer existing...the have piano playing is a big thing these days in Malls around America

[@janyceseahorn4013]

OMG! Thank you for the reminder! I spent 6 hours (don’t ask details) at the Charlotte NC airport on a Sunday. One of the finest men I ever got to witness, an older thin black man played hymns for over two hours. Yep I cried. Fortunately I knew all but one. And yes, I thanked him profusely. It was an ahha moment indeed.

[@RocknRollDina]

Billy is a true NY-er and we're proud of him

[@jasong.5165]

You’re proud of a douchebag that ditches his band for no reason other than to make more money for himself causing one of them to commit suicide? He’s a PoS.

[@hcooper4999]

The way you both sway together is proof how amazing this song is. It just sucks you in.

[@greasefire11]

I was fortunate enough to see Billy Joel in concert twice. Both times were the Face-to-Face tour with Elton John. Great, great concert

[@markvanderstelt8999]

i thought that was you

[@coreenavenn4235]

I am envious

[@joannparker1977]

When you get done to it, all these people are escaping from life for a while. A short while. They all pretty much know they're going to pay a price for their fun when they have to get up before the crack of dawn with a massive hangover and not much sleep. But, they need this. They crave happiness and fun. Even if it's just a sliver. Great and moving video. The best of Billy Joel here.

[@jonstreng7850]

This is the song that made me fall in love with Billy Joel. Other hits of his you should check out are the beautiful Always A Woman to Me, Uptown Girl and My life. His album, Glass Houses, had 5 consecutive Top 10 hits - 3 of which were #1. His best song, IMHO, is Always a Woman to Me.

[@renee176]

I'm a black woman who was a teen in the 70s and was blessed to listen to all genres of music, then and now. Glad to see that you and others of your generation are dipping your toe's into the musical waters and expanding your horizons. All music genres have something to say and there are so many songs worth listening to. Music is life, keep the beat alive! 🤩😊🙂

[@sherireynolds1410]

Every top 10 from the 70s had all genres. Then people started crawling into their little boxes.

[@shelq3814]

Music IS life! I don't think I'd survive without it I also LOVE reaction videos to this song , because pretty much everyone can relate to it. My favorite reaction to Piano Man was from a young man who was about 19 or 20 and I wondered if he would like it. By the end of the video he was in tears. It was beautiful.❤

[@GaryJimenez]

This is my all time favorite song. I feel that we can all relate on some level. It's life, no judgements.

[@cog4life]

I could listen to Billy Joel’s catalogue all day long. Actually I listened to Sirius several months ago on the “Billy Joel Channel” and he explained what these songs are about, where he was in his career, etc. Wow. He’s a genius artist. Soooo insightful.

[@dcron6]

This is a great song and he has many great songs. "You May Be Right" is another very top great song of the many great songs he has in my opinion.

[@alisummers7984]

The piano playing and lyrics - outstanding- the story he tells in his lyrics are pure genius.. Billy Joel is a master in lyricism-

[@richdurbin6146]

I’m loving the actor who plays the barkeep. Excellent pathos in those few seconds.

[@steveshelton5036]

A current friend of mine who’s a retired musician told me that back in the 70’s he would play his gig in Atlanta, then go down the block to watch Billy do his set (before he became famous). He said the man honed his craft working in bars !! Great reaction !!

[@RiccBallard]

Okay just watch this again, so ya any time you bring Billy up I watch and re-watch because damn, just damn why wouldn't you!

[@jeffjones6221]

You can't help but swing your head with this tune

[@GergC0521]

The two of you swaying in sync was precious.

[@sandyburch3010]

I was a bartender for years, it is about the culture.

[@hollypinkley]

my absolute FAV Billy Joel song ~~~ An Innocent Man"" a very deep song!!! My mantra song!!!

[@kimcutts6153]

🇬🇧 BP/JoeE, your syncronized swaying during this song was a sight to behold. I was smiling from ear to ear. Another great reaction fellas. 👍🎶🎼

[@cptight88]

Not a Billy Joel fan, but his "New York State of Mind" live on the Grey Whistle Test show is really, really good.

[@herrzimm]

Back in high school in 90, my drama teacher had us study this song to help with SCENE WRITING for plays and scripts. Why? Because this song is the PERFECT example of how to sum up a character with using 1-2 lines, yet COMPLETELY conveys that characters history/backstory to other characters and the audience.

[@johnnyd5285]

Joel’s piano playing is so good it’s fantastic! His talent is top drawer. I seen him together with Elton John, talk about a fantastic show!

[@jenfine]

The first .45 I owned was “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.” Love old school Billy Joel.

[@karidrgn]

If you watch him live, he's the one playing the harmonica as well as the piano

[@carlahayden2461]

Love you sharing Piano Man with another reaction video performer, if that's the right term. Billy Joel has decades of music, but you might want to check out The Longest Time. Everything you hear is him.

[@karlene1972]

Billy Joel prob has more songs I love than any other artist. Also I love your shirt

[@xxlordbelxx1368]

Showin some love for JoeE. Always a pleasure...

[@CelestialKitsune13]

This is definitely a song you can't help swaying along to. 😂 Have you heard New York State Of Mind yet? And I don't think you've done a reaction to any Michael Bolton songs yet. I promise his song catalog is worth it. 😉

[@x0539p]

I absolutely love the Piano and would have loved to have gone and seen Billy Joel and Elton John when they toured together. I love both of them and they have such talent. Love tour reactions.

[@darrellwelch3110]

Massive attack - Teardrop Massive attack - unfinished Sympathy. I’m sure you’ll love these tunes as much as I do they’re beautiful.

[@carriemichelle322]

So happy you reacted Goodnight Siagnon. That's my ultimate favorite! I think you'd really enjoy New York State of Mind Live and We Didn't Start The Fire and Italian Restaurant. 😊

[@cheryllthompson5092]

Moving out. Another good story telling song from Joel

[@debbiekousmat6101]

You don't just put Billy Joel on your playlist, YOU MAKE A BILLY JOEL PLAYLIST!

[@debbers]

I love when you bring Joe E. on, he is so sensible and wise, I go to his channel often! And to some of the others you have introduced me to. I found you first so you will always be my go to, but I enjoy your friends too!

[@ronaldakkermans8166]

Billy is a great writer, composer, singer and musician. This is one of his early work which has more musical diamonds like She's Always a Woman to Me, My Life, It's Still Rock 'n Roll to me. And one of his International #1 hits Goodnight Saigon.

[@anitawright7169]

Billy Joel is so very awesome! Love your reactions! I subscribed to Joe's channel!

[@andreaschmall5560]

Billy Joel was classically trained on the piano.

[@deborahdennehy9937]

Fabulous song from Billy Joel & all the gang singing along! Don't know if you've seen 'The River of Dreams''??? Just love it so much 💖

[@wendysmith3126]

I love this song. Always brings a tear to my eye. Billy Joel is awesome. You should listen to more songs of his. Absolutely we used to sway to this song raising our beers at parties.

[@trex9263]

An absolute classic tune. I love Billy Joel's music.

[@cattewest]

Love, love, LOVE watching you guys rediscover some great tunes!! Thanks for helping keep the music alive.

[@mandarinlearner]

Saw Billy live in 1975, he was the warm up act for the Beach Boys

[@CBB672]

Love that song!

[@treetoptia-2903]

I never stopped listening to Billy and never will. ❤ We didn’t start the fire 🔥

[@jimmcevers9443]

This song always reminds me of a piano bar I used to go to in Colorado Springs in the early 70's while I was stationed at Ft. Carson. As I recall it was in the basement of The Broadmoor and was called "The Golden Bee". Great days!

[@latishalarimore7156]

I had the pleasure of seeing him and Elton John in concert. When he did this number the entire arena sang along. He stopped singing on the chorus and it was just the arena singing.

[@michaelmckinney1409]

I think of the show Cheers every time I hear this. What a great time to live in with the music, tv shows, and people being proud to be American.

[@TheDivayenta]

I think this song inspired that theme.

[@lauraday2827]

I loved this song from the moment it was released, and it is easy to sway and sing along to, but I have always thought thought it was sad and melancholy. To me it tells the story of lost dreams.

[@aura81295]

"Bar/lounge culture" - perfect description! 🎹🎶

[@thebiscuitscraps]

I love this song...I have since it first came out. 😊

[@theodoreritola7641]

Nineteen seventie two i WAZ 11

[@LoisChisholm]

When I saw this video come up, I said, "Joe E is gonna love this!"

[@subnoizesoldier2]

I’m a lover of classic rock, but I mostly listen to metal and rap because I grew up listening to classic rock you know every song but this is still one of my favorites. I love songs with the story to tell.