Billy Joel: podcast appearances and interviews

William Martin Joel, born on May 9, 1949, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist known for his successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s. Nicknamed the 'Piano Man' after his 1973 signature song, Joel has sold over 160 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists globally and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States. His discography includes twelve studio albums released between 1971 and 1993, which span the genres of pop and rock, and a 2001 album of classical compositions. Joel's breakthrough came with the album The Stranger in 1977, which became Columbia's best-selling release at the time and produced several hit singles including 'Just the Way You Are' and 'She's Always a Woman.' His subsequent albums, such as 52nd Street and Glass Houses, further established his presence on the music scene, with hits like 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me.' Other notable works include An Innocent Man, which paid homage to 1950s genres, and later albums like The Bridge and Storm Front. He has also contributed to film soundtracks and provided voiceovers, notably performing the song 'Why Should I Worry?' for the Disney film Oliver & Company. Joel has maintained an active touring schedule, including a historic rock tour in the Soviet Union in 1987. Throughout his career, he has earned multiple Grammy Awards, numerous chart-topping hits, and industry honors such as induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and recognition at the Kennedy Center Honors.