William Martin (Billy) Joel (The Bronx (New York), 9 May 1949) is an American pianist, singer-songwriter and composer. From 1972 he produced pop music hits (starting with the single Nocturne) until his retirement in 1993. After that he continued performing, alongside writing and recording classical music.) From a young age Joel had a strong interest in music, especially classical music. He was inspired by, among others, Ray Charles, Dave Brubeck, Sam Cooke, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Otis Redding and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Joel became a member of a band for the first time at the age of fourteen. In the 1960s he was part of the band The Hassles. Together with Jon Small, the drummer of The Hassles, he formed the rock duo Attila. He also played in piano bars under the name Bill Martin. His first solo album, Cold Spring Harbor was released in 1971.
Joel toured with Elton John; during the tours they played each other's songs and performed duets. Joel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
In January 2007 it was announced that Joel was working on a new pop single (the first since River of Dreams in 1993). In February the single was actually released, titled All My Life.
Joel has recently renewed his interest in classical music and has started experimenting in that field. Fantasies & Delusions, his first album of classical works, received a lukewarm response from critics, but reached number 1 on classical charts.
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