I had the pleasure of watching a two-part, five-hour documentary that offers the most intimate and comprehensive portrait ever made of the legendary singer-songwriter known as the "Piano Man".
Billy Joel was raised by a single mother in Long Island, New York. He had a strained relationship with his father Howard Joel, who left the family in the 1950's. He later reconnected with his father in Vienna.
The documentary also explores Joel's Jewish heritage and the trauma of his grandfather fleeting Nazi Germany. I found this part of the movie riveting.
Billy says his mother only listened to classical music. When he grew up, he never listened to rock and roll. Following his musical career, you find out he is exceptionally gifted with playing by ear and his ability to compose music and write the lyrics. Elton John and Tim Rice were fabulous. Paul McCartney and John Lennon were also brilliant, but Billy Joel does everything himself. He composes the music, writes the lyrics and performs the songs! Billy writes about his life and when you watch the documentary, the music he performs shares his life experiences. He is a song writing genius!
It's long and I thought the first half was a little slow, however, the second part was so interesting. I highly recommend this wonderful adaptation of his life.
Anyone who knows me, knows I have two ringtones on my cell phone, Uptown Girl and Piano Man. Piano Man has a good intro as it's quiet and I can answer the phone before it gets louder. Uptown Girl is just funny as everyone who hears it, sings along!
