Billy Joel: The Definitive Biography

In Billy Joel, acclaimed music journalist Fred Schruers draws upon over one hundred hours of exclusive interviews with Joel to present an unprecedented look at the life, career, and enduring legacy of the seemingly ordinary kid from Long Island who transformed into a rock icon.

Exhibiting unparalleled intimate knowledge, Schruers chronicles Joel's ascent to the pinnacle of the charts, tracing his journey from his working-class roots in Levittown and his formative years spent in boxing rings and sweaty clubs to his monumental success throughout the seventies and eighties. He also delves into Joel's creative evolution in the nineties, his dream performance alongside Paul McCartney at Shea Stadium in 2008, and his subsequent career.

Along the way, Schruers reveals the compelling stories behind all the key events and relationships – including Joel's high-profile marriages and legal battles – that shaped his path to stardom and inspired his signature songs, such as 'Piano Man', 'Scenes from an Italian Restaurant', 'New York State of Mind', and 'She's Always a Woman'. Throughout, Schruers expertly captures the spirit of a restless artist determined to break through by sharing, in his deeply personal lyrics, the dreams and heartbreaks that define suburban American life.

Comprehensive, vibrantly written, and enriched with Joel's own memories and reflections, as well as those of the family, friends, and band members who have formed his inner circle, including Christie Brinkley, Alexa Ray Joel, Jon Small, and Steve Cohen, this stands as the definitive account of a beloved rock star's epic American journey.