• Faith: Atheist
• Career: Musician
• Birthday:  May 09, 1949

Billy Joel is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and pianist best known by his nickname, the "Piano Man," after his iconic 1973 hit. With over 160 million records sold globally, he ranks among the best-selling music artists of all time. His 1985 release, Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, remains one of the top-selling albums in the country.

Born William Martin Joel on May 9, 1949, in the Bronx, New York, Joel was raised in Hicksville, Long Island. His father, Howard (Helmut) Joel, was a classical pianist and businessman who emigrated from Nazi Germany, while his mother, Rosalind Nyman, was of English-Jewish descent. Despite his Jewish heritage, Joel's upbringing was secular, and he attended Catholic church services with friends during his youth.

Joel began piano lessons at age four, influenced by classical music and later inspired by rock and roll. As a teenager, he joined bands like The Echoes and The Hassles, honing his skills and developing his unique sound. His early experiences in these groups laid the foundation for his solo career.

Joel's breakthrough came with the release of "Piano Man" in 1973, a song that became synonymous with his identity. Over the years, he released a series of successful albums, including "The Stranger" (1977), "52nd Street" (1978), and "An Innocent Man" (1983). His music, characterized by storytelling and melodic prowess, earned him six Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

Beyond studio recordings, Joel's live performances have been legendary. His decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden, concluding in 2024, set records and showcased his enduring appeal.

Joel's personal life has seen its share of highs and lows. He married his first wife, Elizabeth Weber, in 1973; the couple divorced in 1982. His second marriage to supermodel Christie Brinkley in 1985 brought the birth of their daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, later that year. Although they divorced in 1994, they have remained amicable co-parents.

In 2004, Joel married chef Katie Lee, but the marriage ended in 2009. His fourth marriage to Alexis Roderick in 2015 has been a source of stability and joy. The couple has two daughters: Della Rose, born in 2015, and Remy Anne, born in 2017.

In May 2025, Joel announced the cancellation of all upcoming concerts due to a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition characterized by excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to symptoms affecting balance, vision, and cognition. This diagnosis followed a fall during a February concert, raising concerns about his health.

Billy Joel's Religious Beliefs

Though born into a Jewish family, Joel did not grow up in the religion. Joel once said, "I was not brought up Jewish in any religious way. My circumcision was as Jewish as they got." In his youth, he attended a Roman Catholic church with friends. At age 11, he was baptized in a Church of Christ in Hicksville.

Today, Joel describes himself as an atheist, though he does acknowledges his Jewish heritage. His music occasionally reflects this cultural identity, as seen in songs like "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," which touches on themes of community and tradition.

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