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The Words and Music of Billy Joel
- Author: Bielen, Ken
The Words and Music of Billy Joel
- Author: Bielen, Ken
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About
This detailed exploration looks at the musical works of recording artist Billy Joel and his impact on popular culture.
Billy Joel skyrocketed to popularity in 1977 with his fifth album, The Stranger, and he has been a major American artist ever since. His songs are timeless and appreciated by generations of fans. The Words and Music of Billy Joel examines this influential musician's songs in detail, exploring the meaning of the lyrics and placing Joel's artistry in a regional and cultural context.
Covering work that ranges from Joel's recordings with the Lost Souls to his classical compositions, the book focuses on the dozen studio albums of popular music released between 1971 and 1993. A bibliographic essay is included, as are both a discography and a filmography. There is also a special focus on the interpretation of Joel's songs by other recording artists.
- Photographs
- A discography of Joel's recordings including albums and singles
- A selected discography of cover versions of Joel's songs by other recording artists
- A filmography
- A bibliography of significant books and articles about Billy Joel and his work
- A bibliographic essay
Contents
- Series Foreword, by James E. Perone Acknowledgments Introduction
- 1. The Legend of Billy Joel
- 2. Early Years The Hassles Hour of the Wolf Attila
- 3. Going Solo Cold Spring Harbor Piano Man Streetlife Serenade Turnstiles
- 4. Recognition The Stranger 52nd Street Glass Houses
- 5. Following the Muse The Nylon Curtain An Innocent Man
- 6. Maturity The Bridge Storm Front River of Dreams Fantasies and Delusions Other Recordings
- 7. Live Audio and Video Live Audio The Stranger: The Carnegie Hall Concert Songs in the Attic Kohuept 2000 Years: The Millennium Concert 12 Gardens Live Live at Shea Stadium: The Concert Other Live Recordings Live Video The Old Grey Whistle
- 8. Documentaries and Music Video Collections A Matter of Trust Shades of Grey Billy Joel: Greatest Hits, Volume III: The Video Billy Joel: The Essential Video Collection The Making of The Stranger The Last Play at Shea: The Documentary Film
- 9. Cover Versions of Billy Joel Songs Movin' Out (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Other Cover Versions Conclusion Discography Notes Annotated Bibliography Index
