Billy Joel and Paul McCartney have a mutual admiration and friendly competition with each other. McCartney’s of an older generation, but there’s a ton of respect there, in both directions. Both masters of music and lyrics, and are terrific singers. You can understand why Billy Joel played this song at the 9/11 benefit concert for the families of first responders killed in the wake of the attacks. I watched it on TV, in Brooklyn, where I lived within sight of the disaster. My neighborhood was hit hard, because many people who lived there worked in or near the towers. The debris clouds from the towers blew through our neighborhood, blocking out the light for several minutes. Covered everything outside with gray fuzz. And the smell of the smouldering wreckage stung our eyes and noses for weeks afterwards. Our first responders had casualties, too. When Billy did this song, I just wept and wept.
This shit is silly good. One of the bestest live performances I've ever seen on RUclips. Not just Joel (who is fantastic) but his whole band, too. Does any modern act even compare to this? I dunno.
If I have the story correctly, it took Billy years to get Columbia Records to let him record with his road band. He was absolutely right (listen to the album The Stranger). 😊
He doesn’t consider himself a great piano player, or a great vocalist. What makes him great, is, he is the total package! His lyrics, his piano playing, and his performances are tied together with his emotions. Not many have that talent!
I saw Billy Joel in 1972 at the 14th Street Academy of Music in Manhattan, opening for J Giels Band. It was just before "Piano Man " came out, and made him a Star. He played a medley of songs invthe styles of great piano players, Ray Charles , Leon Russell, etc. It was quite sarcastic, because he Knew he was as talented as they were but hadn't gotten his Big Break. To make matters worse, they had spelled his Name Wrong on the Marquees "Billy Joe"!! In less than a year, he would be a Star I worked a number of his shows since then , including his Tour with Elton John at Giant's Stadium. Amazing Career!
Kudos to whomever requested this, you gentlemen are getting spoiled. It usually takes a couple of years before a reaction channel gets to the good stuff.
That sax solo! Put me right in the middle of Grand Central Station! This song is most definitely takes you to the heart of New York. The studio version gets me more emotional than this one… this adds the extra spice that makes your mouth smile!
Joel famously played this song at The Concert for New York City, the October 2001 benefit concert for the New York City Fire and Police Departments and the loved ones of families of first responders lost during the attack on New York City on 9/11.
I live in a country a very very long way from the USA. When I was a young boy, my dad took me to NYC and... I hated it. We stayed in Brooklyn and I just wasn't into it. Years later, my work took me back there several times and it has become by far one of my favorite cities to visit. I put it up there with London, Paris, Rome and Tokyo. There is just so much to see, do and eat. Billy Joel evokes nostalgic feelings about this city... and he does this with all his songs, they are just so well written and paint a picture every time.
One of Billy best stories come from his first record deal. It was so bad, he left NY and went to LA, performing in piano bars under a false name. All the people he met are in the story of “The Piano Man”
He’s one of ours! New York boy! This song is my life Long Island, Manhattan for many many years and now the Adirondacks! I’m New York to the bone!!! Love this one Billy!❤
Guys I was just catching your Billy Joel Reactions. I wrapped it up with The Stranger, and it was so great to see you both grooving together. Billy’s from Long Island NY. And still lives there. He was a prolific song writer. He could take you to a place and put you into his songs. You both owe it to yourselves. To check Baby Grand, it’s him with Ray Charles. Playing some old school R & B…And between their playing together and their vocals. They just compliment each other so very well. I’m not telling you guys to react to it. Although it’s more than worthy of a Reaction. But from one music lover to 2 music lovers. You owe it to yourselves to check it out. Peace ❤
Right from the beginning Billy had the zRay Charles sound and attitude!Billy is a chameleon changing his style to fit a song, or album.Always one of the best and right around the corner he grew up from where I live now!
Yes the old Chevy and Crown Victoria taxicab vibes Rollin down Broadway and going to. Movie Theater in Time square to see a Disney movie at the time with my mom and this was on litefm radio. Then they play Christopher Cross Between the moon and NYC after. So chill.
Does it seem like there are less and less geniuses like this? The ones who can take a small stage and blow you away? Where did all the musician/singers/composers/performers go? ...... It's like the music world is going backwards........
I was fortunate to see Billy Joel play live in Philadelphia- he was climbing up the rigging, running around the stage and putting 100% into his show...he is phenomenal live...He is a god in the Northeast, we love him.
I know I'm late and just now a sub, but this is my all time favorite song ever. I'd also argue until my gravestone is etched that this is one of the best performances of all time.
Great reaction, guys. I hope you'll be interested in this suggestion. Matter of Trust, the original video. Billy doesn't play piano in it (he plays guitar in it) and it's very different in style from most of his other songs. But, the video itself is so much fun. It's literally a snapshot of NYC's Lower East Side, St. Mark's Place, mid-late 1980s. There are only two actors on the street. All the other people were just there, getting a big surprise and reacting to it. The woman in the window yelling isn't an actor. She was for real. This is vintage 1980s. Hope you'll check it out. All the best.
Not trying to be a dick here but I doubt the woman yelling from the window is real, considering the director already had the camera pointing at the window before she opened it and shouted out. Plus she was probably mic'd up too.
@@seanscanlon9067 They probably had several cameras on the street, and it's possible that the first time they caught her on camera wasn't the first time she yelled. I'm sticking with what I've heard to be the case for years; but, I hear your point; you may be right - - I may be crazy. Hey!
Captain Jack is another classic of his from the 70s. I would try to stay in the 70s before jumping ahead into other decades. The earlier stuff just hits different 😎
Billy Joel is such a great entertainer; I love to listen to his musicianship. Here's another one of his popular songs "Billy Joel - Uptown Girl (Official Video)" and I'd like to suggest something that's a bit different "All About That Bass - Postmodern Jukebox, European" "PMJ" has several very talented singers and musicians and founded by arranger and pianist Scott Bradlee in 2011. PMJ is known for reworking popular modern music into deferent vintage genres, especially early 20th century forms such as swing and jazz. They have a large following on RUclips, and "PMJ" has really great stuff...hope you give them a listen. As always guys love your reactions, thanks for sharing👍🔥💖🎶🎷🎹🤗
If you’ve spent any time in New York, oh my….what a special, special, special city! I’ve been to every state in this country except two. I grew up in Minnesota. I’ve lived in Cleveland, Chicago Greensboro, NC and the Dallas/Ft Worth area of Texas. I travel every year to New York City, sometimes just for a couple days, sometimes a whole week…I just cannot get enough of that city. Why? So much to do, so much to see, so many events every month no matter what time of year. And they have the very best of everything….best live music, best food (a new restaurant will open and close within 30 days if it cannot compete in NYC), best ever entertainment: 41 Broadway theaters! Best comedy clubs. Best dinner cruises on the Hudson, best rooftop bars, best observation decks, best skyline, Best dance companies (American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, etc.), New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Madison Sq Garden is a great venue, The Yankees, The Mets, the famous Metropolitan Opera, best Art museums…Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, Museum of Modern Art, Most beautiful church in America (St Patrick’s Cathedral)….close to the ocean, close to the mountains, 3 hours from Boston, 90 minutes to Philadelphia, 5 hours to DC, 1 hour to Connecticut, 2 hours to Vermont, 3 hours to New Hampshire, just a few hours to Toronto, Niagara Falls! And across the river to New Jersey! Plus Long Island.. OMG! So, Billy Joel is right. You don’t need to leave New York…or go very far.
My sister got to see Billy live in a local theater here in Pennsylvania before he made it big. She was so excited about his piano playing when she got home from the concert I thought she would wet herself. I wore out my BJ albums in high school. A few more great songs of his: "Travelin' Prayer," "And So It Goes," and "The Ballad of Billy the Kid."
One of my great concert regrets is not getting to see the 5 tours that Billy and Elton did together. Can you imagine both pianists adding their skills to the other's songs live?!
I think that was from SNL great performance ...an incredible composer ,musician story teller a musical gift to the world history will praise his volumes of works and creativity ....you guys pick the best people to study another unsung hero to America and the world is Stevie Wonder another musical genius ,composer player and vocalist from innervisions on one of the greatest ever and a voice billy and Stevie are composers holding a masterclass on how to write music ,score it ,make us relate ....what more can you ask for man keep up the great work exposing these great to a new generation we were lucky ...we grew up in the era of the Beatles ,steely Dan ,Stevie Wonder ,yes Billy Joel ,Kenny logging ,Dan fogleberg hey you guys listen to Billy's ...the down Easter Alexa ,no man's land to and you are right ...I've been able to listen to Billy's lyrics and en vision his stories ....just amazing God bless you both .....👍👍👍👍👍♥️🇺🇲🙏✝️🙏✝️💯☮️☮️☮️☮️
I know that you said you think it was from SNL and so were not saying it definitely was, but it is actually from a BBC programme here in the UK called The Old Grey Whistle Test from 1978. Around about this time though, Billy wearing the same kind of clothing and with a beard, did perform Just the Way You Are and Only the Good Die Young on SNL.
Great reaction guys, because you clearly have chops in your knowledge of music and writing. I grew up when Joel was just breaking out, and I was a jazz musician myself on the side in my youth, and a writer as an adult, so I appreciate the wealth of knowledge you gentlemen bring to the channel -- which I am now subscribing too.
I can't tell you how fortunate I felt to grow up in L.A. in the 70s and 80s...growing up with cats like this...and looking forward to every Southern California Summer concert season...when it was affordable. Went to at least 10 concerts during every Summer Vacation...including Billy's "Glass Houses" show at the Forum.
Billy Joel and Elton John have some videos from when they toured together. Dueling Pianos.... Fantastic Performance s...Elton is also very talented Piano player..
It’s all about soul. You should give All About Soul, An Innocent Man, Everybody Has A Dream, Shameless, Temptation, Until The Night and When In Rome a listen.
I love your reaction to this song, and I myself am a proud New Yorker. Born in the city and lived most of my life upstate. I'm going to remind you that this song is about the state of New York, not just the city. This state is an amazing state, and you should check it out. You can get to my house by taking the Hudson River Line. And you're welcome to visit, just let me know. I look forward to your reacting to more of Billy Joel, he's a great artist.
That dates back to Jan. 27, 2014, running monthly, without break, through February 2020 before pausing for obvious reasons. The residency resumed in November 2021. And even prior to the residency beginning, Joel had reported 28 shows at MSG in the decades prior, adding up to $32.6 million to his career venue total. HE'S FROM LONG ISLAND.Since launching in 2014, the star has played 87 shows at the New York arena. He started playing piano 🎹 at age 4. His father is a classic trained piano player.
🤗 Billy use to play Bat & Bar Mitzvahs on Long Island back in the day! I laugh hysterically at the line in 'Only The Good Die Young' about "Catholic Girls" 🤭 cause I was one of them who was invited to my friends Bat and Bar Mitzvahs. Billy tore up the Piano Bars in NJ too! He was playing NJ same time as Bruce Springsteen, who I saw at Biker Bars. 🤫 I was always in places I shouldn't be. Then again I wouldn't have met Barry Manilow playing piano for Bette Midler in Village Bathhouses when Katey Sagal was her back up singer (before playing Peg on Married With Children). Barry was still doing jingles (I am stuck on Band-Aids and Band-Aids stuck on me, Like a good Neighbor, State Farm is there) 🙄 Mom had no clue but being a cheerleader 😉 I could always say I had practice or a game! 🤭🐰
Actually the inspiration for this song according to Wiki was…. That Joel wrote the song after returning to the East Coast from Los Angeles, where he had spent the previous three years….the song came from his pride in returning home to New York. Joel was literally "takin' a Greyhound [bus] on the Hudson River Line [route]" when the idea for the song came to him, and the song was written as soon as Joel arrived home
The whole bamd is great, especially the drumner Liberty DeVitto. And Liberty's daughter is a successful TV actress named Torrey Joël DeVitto. Her name is actually three last names. Her mother's maiden nane. Billy's and her dad's. Liberty met her mother whike drumming for Stevie Nicks, her mother's best friend. Torrey grew up surrounded by incredible music. Unfortunately, all hus band members were fired unceremoniously. Liberty learned he was out after 30 years when he wasn't invited to Billy's third wedding. The bassist and rhythm guitarist were replaced for Billy's 1989 album Storm Front. The guitarist learned he wss out when he heard the album was coming out. He was nevver asked to record on it nor told he wouldn't be returning. Only Liberty returned (for one song) for 1993's River of Dreams. Billy released one more album of classical music he composed, but he doesn't even play on it. He still tours but hasn't recorded an album since 1993.
Thanks for the great reaction. Billy Joel is amazing. He can write any music genre, from classical to gospel to rock to jazz to folk. Would love to hear your reactions to Vienna, Zanzibar, Goodnight Saigon, The Downeaster Alexa, River of Dreams, and And So It Goes. All from different genres, but all amazingly written. Its a deep rabbit hole, but worth the trip.
Interesting anecdote I heard from one of Ray Charles' crew: Billy went to hear Ray Charles and after the show wanted to see Ray backstage. Told that Billy Joel wanted to come back to meet him, Ray said, "Who's he?" Told that Billy was the guy who wrote New York State of Mind, Ray said, "Oh hell yea!"
You guys should check out "Angry Young Man"... I think it's from the same Old Grey Whistle Test TV show as this song. Piano is also tremendous. Songwriters' Hall of Fame... up there with America's best songmasters. I've seen him in concert 8 times, and every show was just top of the heap. My 2nd time seeing him, I took a hot girl from my martial arts class... and she's wanting to make out the whole freakin' show... and I'm like, "damn girl... gotta watch Billy!" Needless to say, no 2nd date.
No, he's leaving NYC for upstate NY! The Hudson River line is up here where it's way laid back among the lakes and forests. Look up The Hawk's Nest in NY. It's just down the road from me. Too many people think all of NY is just like NYC. All my neighbors have four legs. I'm in the woods! lol
You guys should put "Billy Joel - Prelude/Angry Young Man (Live from Long Island)" into the RUclips search and do a reaction to the video. Live concert, AGGRESSIVE piano playing, and Billy Joel is performing with a BROKEN LEFT THUMB. You can easily see the tape on his thumb in the video.
Not trying to be a dick here but Mark did not join Billy's touring band until 1982 and did not play on a Billy Joel album until 1983, which was his ninth of only twelve. Prior to that, Richie Cannata (who is on saxophone in this performance) played in Billy's band.
Singers are a dime a dozen, but songwriters are one in a million. And singer-songwriter-composer-instrumentalist-musicians are 1 in 10 million.
Billy wrote all the words and music to all his songs. Pop, jazz, classical, rock, 50's and 60' tribute. The man is a musical genius.
Billy Joel and Paul McCartney have a mutual admiration and friendly competition with each other. McCartney’s of an older generation, but there’s a ton of respect there, in both directions. Both masters of music and lyrics, and are terrific singers.
You can understand why Billy Joel played this song at the 9/11 benefit concert for the families of first responders killed in the wake of the attacks. I watched it on TV, in Brooklyn, where I lived within sight of the disaster. My neighborhood was hit hard, because many people who lived there worked in or near the towers. The debris clouds from the towers blew through our neighborhood, blocking out the light for several minutes. Covered everything outside with gray fuzz. And the smell of the smouldering wreckage stung our eyes and noses for weeks afterwards. Our first responders had casualties, too. When Billy did this song, I just wept and wept.
He and The Who were amazing in how they lifted our spirits. And then Bette Midler singing , “ The Wind Beneath My Wings” in Forest Hills I think?
Another journey through this playlist for me. 💜💜💜
This shit is silly good. One of the bestest live performances I've ever seen on RUclips. Not just Joel (who is fantastic) but his whole band, too. Does any modern act even compare to this? I dunno.
I know. Very Very few. And far between.
If I have the story correctly, it took Billy years to get Columbia Records to let him record with his road band. He was absolutely right (listen to the album The Stranger). 😊
He doesn’t consider himself a great piano player, or a great vocalist. What makes him great, is, he is the total package! His lyrics, his piano playing, and his performances are tied together with his emotions. Not many have that talent!
I saw Billy Joel in 1972 at the 14th Street Academy of Music in Manhattan, opening for J Giels Band. It was just before "Piano Man " came out, and made him a Star. He played a medley of songs invthe styles of great piano players, Ray Charles , Leon Russell, etc. It was quite sarcastic, because he Knew he was as talented as they were but hadn't gotten his Big Break. To make matters worse, they had spelled his Name Wrong on the Marquees "Billy Joe"!! In less than a year, he would be a Star
I worked a number of his shows since then , including his Tour with Elton John at Giant's Stadium. Amazing Career!
Kudos to whomever requested this, you gentlemen are getting spoiled. It usually takes a couple of years before a reaction channel gets to the good stuff.
Thank you sir. Always a pleasure reading your comments.
That sax solo! Put me right in the middle of Grand Central Station! This song is most definitely takes you to the heart of New York. The studio version gets me more emotional than this one… this adds the extra spice that makes your mouth smile!
Anytime I hear sax like that, I can’t help but think of NY in the 70’s.
Joel famously played this song at The Concert for New York City, the October 2001 benefit concert for the New York City Fire and Police Departments and the loved ones of families of first responders lost during the attack on New York City on 9/11.
I live in a country a very very long way from the USA. When I was a young boy, my dad took me to NYC and... I hated it. We stayed in Brooklyn and I just wasn't into it. Years later, my work took me back there several times and it has become by far one of my favorite cities to visit. I put it up there with London, Paris, Rome and Tokyo. There is just so much to see, do and eat. Billy Joel evokes nostalgic feelings about this city... and he does this with all his songs, they are just so well written and paint a picture every time.
One of Billy best stories come from his first record deal. It was so bad, he left NY and went to LA, performing in piano bars under a false name. All the people he met are in the story of “The Piano Man”
He’s one of ours! New York boy! This song is my life Long Island, Manhattan for many many years and now the Adirondacks! I’m New York to the bone!!! Love this one Billy!❤
That's right and no place can change a new Yorker
The vibe on your channel so smooth, classic. Timeless and cool grown folk style. Your thoughtful dissection and impressions much appreciated.
Thank you so much for watching.
Word on that. These guys are like the classic DJ’s where music was enjoyed and celebrated.
One of the greatest nights of music of my life was attending an evening of Billy Joel / Elton John in concert. Amazing show.
Guys I was just catching your Billy Joel Reactions. I wrapped it up with The Stranger, and it was so great to see you both grooving together. Billy’s from Long Island NY. And still lives there. He was a prolific song writer. He could take you to a place and put you into his songs. You both owe it to yourselves. To check Baby Grand, it’s him with Ray Charles. Playing some old school R & B…And between their playing together and their vocals. They just compliment each other so very well. I’m not telling you guys to react to it. Although it’s more than worthy of a Reaction. But from one music lover to 2 music lovers. You owe it to yourselves to check it out. Peace ❤
Right from the beginning Billy had the zRay Charles sound and attitude!Billy is a chameleon changing his style to fit a song, or album.Always one of the best and right around the corner he grew up from where I live now!
Wow!! You’re in Billy’s old stomping grounds.
New Yorker here. This song always makes me emotional. He just nails the feel of NYC
He sure does nail it. Felt like I was right on his block
@@michaelasay8587 still 100x better than Moscow, comrade.
Yes the old Chevy and Crown Victoria taxicab vibes Rollin down Broadway and going to. Movie Theater in Time square to see a Disney movie at the time with my mom and this was on litefm radio. Then they play Christopher Cross Between the moon and NYC after. So chill.
Does it seem like there are less and less geniuses like this? The ones who can take a small stage and blow you away? Where did all the musician/singers/composers/performers go? ...... It's like the music world is going backwards........
Check out Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings if you like Americana. Brilliant.
@@TheDivayentaABSOLUTELY!! "I WANNA SING THAT
ROCK AND ROLL. I WANNA ELECTRICFY MY SOUL..."
@@suesebree8670 woohoo!!! Scarlet Town blows me away. What a poet she is. ❤️
Yes.
My favorite part is in the beginning when Billy hits the low notes using his pinky almost perpendicular to the keys 🎹. Such a jazzy movement. 💜💜💜
The amazing sax is something you would hear in a New York subway.
I was fortunate to see Billy Joel play live in Philadelphia- he was climbing up the rigging, running around the stage and putting 100% into his show...he is phenomenal live...He is a god in the Northeast, we love him.
I’ve never been to New York but listening to this makes me feel like I’m there! Great reaction ❤
I know I'm late and just now a sub, but this is my all time favorite song ever. I'd also argue until my gravestone is etched that this is one of the best performances of all time.
Thanks for rocking with us!!
Iconic Tony Bennett wrote NY State of Mind with Joel. Look him up. One of the most iconic singers ever.
I got to see him live during Glass Houses tour. Reserved seats. A first for me. Rochester NY
Great reaction, guys. I hope you'll be interested in this suggestion. Matter of Trust, the original video. Billy doesn't play piano in it (he plays guitar in it) and it's very different in style from most of his other songs. But, the video itself is so much fun. It's literally a snapshot of NYC's Lower East Side, St. Mark's Place, mid-late 1980s. There are only two actors on the street. All the other people were just there, getting a big surprise and reacting to it. The woman in the window yelling isn't an actor. She was for real. This is vintage 1980s. Hope you'll check it out. All the best.
It was The answer to everyone picking On New York in the seventies
Not trying to be a dick here but I doubt the woman yelling from the window is real, considering the director already had the camera pointing at the window before she opened it and shouted out.
Plus she was probably mic'd up too.
@@seanscanlon9067 They probably had several cameras on the street, and it's possible that the first time they caught her on camera wasn't the first time she yelled. I'm sticking with what I've heard to be the case for years; but, I hear your point; you may be right - - I may be crazy. Hey!
When Billy Joel was young, he didn't look up or down. He looked around.
Captain Jack is another classic of his from the 70s. I would try to stay in the 70s before jumping ahead into other decades. The earlier stuff just hits different 😎
Please check out my favorite Billy Joel song, "And So It Goes" and also his "Goodnight Saigon" (about the Vietnam War). Both are highly emotional.
Billy Joel is such a great entertainer; I love to listen to his musicianship. Here's another one of his popular songs "Billy Joel - Uptown Girl (Official Video)" and I'd like to suggest something that's a bit different "All About That Bass - Postmodern Jukebox, European" "PMJ" has several very talented singers and musicians and founded by arranger and pianist Scott Bradlee in 2011. PMJ is known for reworking popular modern music into deferent vintage genres, especially early 20th century forms such as swing and jazz. They have a large following on RUclips, and "PMJ" has really great stuff...hope you give them a listen. As always guys love your reactions, thanks for sharing👍🔥💖🎶🎷🎹🤗
On top of everything else... Billy's left hand is way too cool!! Much love Y'all 🐶😎🇺🇸
Check out Goodnight Saigon. Great Vietnam song.
BILLY JOEL'S DUET with RAY CHARLES "BABY GRAND" is an absolute must!
If you’ve spent any time in New York, oh my….what a special, special, special city! I’ve been to every state in this country except two. I grew up in Minnesota. I’ve lived in Cleveland, Chicago Greensboro, NC and the Dallas/Ft Worth area of Texas. I travel every year to New York City, sometimes just for a couple days, sometimes a whole week…I just cannot get enough of that city. Why? So much to do, so much to see, so many events every month no matter what time of year. And they have the very best of everything….best live music, best food (a new restaurant will open and close within 30 days if it cannot compete in NYC), best ever entertainment: 41 Broadway theaters! Best comedy clubs. Best dinner cruises on the Hudson, best rooftop bars, best observation decks, best skyline, Best dance companies (American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, etc.), New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Madison Sq Garden is a great venue, The Yankees, The Mets, the famous Metropolitan Opera, best Art museums…Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, Museum of Modern Art, Most beautiful church in America (St Patrick’s Cathedral)….close to the ocean, close to the mountains, 3 hours from Boston, 90 minutes to Philadelphia, 5 hours to DC, 1 hour to Connecticut, 2 hours to Vermont, 3 hours to New Hampshire, just a few hours to Toronto, Niagara Falls! And across the river to New Jersey! Plus Long Island.. OMG!
So, Billy Joel is right. You don’t need to leave New York…or go very far.
My sister got to see Billy live in a local theater here in Pennsylvania before he made it big. She was so excited about his piano playing when she got home from the concert I thought she would wet herself. I wore out my BJ albums in high school. A few more great songs of his: "Travelin' Prayer," "And So It Goes," and "The Ballad of Billy the Kid."
One of my great concert regrets is not getting to see the 5 tours that Billy and Elton did together. Can you imagine both pianists adding their skills to the other's songs live?!
I know that concert was amazing!!!
Wow....
Saw them at Shea Stadium! It was a bucket list item!
My down Easter Alexa is my favorite of his songs.... And so It Goes is next...but I love them all! 😆😆😆😻💋💖💋💖🎵🎶💋💖
I think that was from SNL great performance ...an incredible composer ,musician story teller a musical gift to the world history will praise his volumes of works and creativity ....you guys pick the best people to study another unsung hero to America and the world is Stevie Wonder another musical genius ,composer player and vocalist from innervisions on one of the greatest ever and a voice billy and Stevie are composers holding a masterclass on how to write music ,score it ,make us relate ....what more can you ask for man keep up the great work exposing these great to a new generation we were lucky ...we grew up in the era of the Beatles ,steely Dan ,Stevie Wonder ,yes Billy Joel ,Kenny logging ,Dan fogleberg hey you guys listen to Billy's ...the down Easter Alexa ,no man's land to and you are right ...I've been able to listen to Billy's lyrics and en vision his stories ....just amazing God bless you both .....👍👍👍👍👍♥️🇺🇲🙏✝️🙏✝️💯☮️☮️☮️☮️
I know that you said you think it was from SNL and so were not saying it definitely was, but it is actually from a BBC programme here in the UK called The Old Grey Whistle Test from 1978.
Around about this time though, Billy wearing the same kind of clothing and with a beard, did perform Just the Way You Are and Only the Good Die Young on SNL.
5feet5inches of musical genius
Goddamn what a showman and talent. I’ve never seen this before…goddamn.
Great reaction guys, because you clearly have chops in your knowledge of music and writing. I grew up when Joel was just breaking out, and I was a jazz musician myself on the side in my youth, and a writer as an adult, so I appreciate the wealth of knowledge you gentlemen bring to the channel -- which I am now subscribing too.
Thank you so much for watching and subscribing!!
I can't tell you how fortunate I felt to grow up in L.A. in the 70s and 80s...growing up with cats like this...and looking forward to every Southern California Summer concert season...when it was affordable. Went to at least 10 concerts during every Summer Vacation...including Billy's "Glass Houses" show at the Forum.
He wrote a million hits,But this is his best.
He is soul, rock, blues but on some other level. He is a talent way out there
Billy Joel and Elton John have some videos from when they toured together.
Dueling Pianos....
Fantastic Performance s...Elton is also very talented Piano player..
Please do more Elton John. AND Leon Russell's set from "The Concert for Bangladesh"!
A generational talent.
This along with My Baby Grand, the best, most soulful songs he ever wrote
It’s all about soul.
You should give All About Soul, An Innocent Man, Everybody Has A Dream, Shameless, Temptation, Until The Night and When In Rome a listen.
Fantastic
I knew you would like it.
Need to listen to "Just the way you are" and "Honesty". He is incredible.
On Broadway -- Theme from New York, New York --
New York State of Mind -- Empire State of Mind --
These are all great songs.
I love New York
There's such a powerful nod to the great Ray Charles in this song. It's really not hard to hear Ray himself performing this one.
Great reaction! Love from Denmark❤
I love your reaction to this song, and I myself am a proud New Yorker. Born in the city and lived most of my life upstate. I'm going to remind you that this song is about the state of New York, not just the city. This state is an amazing state, and you should check it out. You can get to my house by taking the Hudson River Line. And you're welcome to visit, just let me know. I look forward to your reacting to more of Billy Joel, he's a great artist.
Thank you for watching!! We’re excited to dive into this Billy Joel rabbit hole.
That dates back to Jan. 27, 2014, running monthly, without break, through February 2020 before pausing for obvious reasons. The residency resumed in November 2021. And even prior to the residency beginning, Joel had reported 28 shows at MSG in the decades prior, adding up to $32.6 million to his career venue total. HE'S FROM LONG ISLAND.Since launching in 2014, the star has played 87 shows at the New York arena. He started playing piano 🎹 at age 4. His father is a classic trained piano player.
Turnstiles is my favorite Billy Joel album. I saw him in concert early on, and what a showman! Any song on this album is great.
I can see why Tony Bennett covered this tune. It sounds like something from the Great American Songbook. A classic…in any musical genre….
My favorites have always been "Longest time" and "My Life"...
🤗 Billy use to play Bat & Bar Mitzvahs on Long Island back in the day! I laugh hysterically at the line in 'Only The Good Die Young' about "Catholic Girls" 🤭 cause I was one of them who was invited to my friends Bat and Bar Mitzvahs. Billy tore up the Piano Bars in NJ too! He was playing NJ same time as Bruce Springsteen, who I saw at Biker Bars. 🤫 I was always in places I shouldn't be. Then again I wouldn't have met Barry Manilow playing piano for Bette Midler in Village Bathhouses when Katey Sagal was her back up singer (before playing Peg on Married With Children). Barry was still doing jingles (I am stuck on Band-Aids and Band-Aids stuck on me, Like a good Neighbor, State Farm is there) 🙄 Mom had no clue but being a cheerleader 😉 I could always say I had practice or a game! 🤭🐰
Actually the inspiration for this song according to Wiki was…. That Joel wrote the song after returning to the East Coast from Los Angeles, where he had spent the previous three years….the song came from his pride in returning home to New York. Joel was literally "takin' a Greyhound [bus] on the Hudson River Line [route]" when the idea for the song came to him, and the song was written as soon as Joel arrived home
This is when I fell for Billy,he was just too cool for words
The whole bamd is great, especially the drumner Liberty DeVitto. And Liberty's daughter is a successful TV actress named Torrey Joël DeVitto. Her name is actually three last names. Her mother's maiden nane. Billy's and her dad's. Liberty met her mother whike drumming for Stevie Nicks, her mother's best friend. Torrey grew up surrounded by incredible music.
Unfortunately, all hus band members were fired unceremoniously. Liberty learned he was out after 30 years when he wasn't invited to Billy's third wedding. The bassist and rhythm guitarist were replaced for Billy's 1989 album Storm Front. The guitarist learned he wss out when he heard the album was coming out. He was nevver asked to record on it nor told he wouldn't be returning. Only Liberty returned (for one song) for 1993's River of Dreams. Billy released one more album of classical music he composed, but he doesn't even play on it. He still tours but hasn't recorded an album since 1993.
What a beautiful song!!
Listen to The River Of Dreams by Billy, gospel vibe, superb best vocal performance
This was on the British music show 'The Old Grey Whistle Test'...a terrific show. Billy is an awesome performer.
This tune is off the Turnstiles album…additional tunes include:
Summer, Highland Falls
Say Goodbye to Hollywood
James
I’ve loved these Days
Love "Summer, Highland Falls"! Piano!!
Thanks for the great reaction. Billy Joel is amazing. He can write any music genre, from classical to gospel to rock to jazz to folk. Would love to hear your reactions to Vienna, Zanzibar, Goodnight Saigon, The Downeaster Alexa, River of Dreams, and And So It Goes. All from different genres, but all amazingly written. Its a deep rabbit hole, but worth the trip.
good ole....Americana 🎼🎼🎹🎹
Interesting anecdote I heard from one of Ray Charles' crew: Billy went to hear Ray Charles and after the show wanted to see Ray backstage. Told that Billy Joel wanted to come back to meet him, Ray said, "Who's he?" Told that Billy was the guy who wrote New York State of Mind, Ray said, "Oh hell yea!"
I’m in a French Lick State of mind😂😂😂
Leon Russell "Such A Night" and Dr John (The Night Tripper). "Such A Night"
Two more great Piano Men with a lot of great hits.
You guys should check out "Angry Young Man"... I think it's from the same Old Grey Whistle Test TV show as this song. Piano is also tremendous. Songwriters' Hall of Fame... up there with America's best songmasters. I've seen him in concert 8 times, and every show was just top of the heap.
My 2nd time seeing him, I took a hot girl from my martial arts class... and she's wanting to make out the whole freakin' show... and I'm like, "damn girl... gotta watch Billy!" Needless to say, no 2nd date.
Hope new viewers get to see this live video and your reaction. I consider this to be one of the best live videos of popular music that exists
Can I recommend Billy Joel’s “River of Dreams”?
Of course. We will look into that one for you. Thanks for watching!!
Channeling his inner Ray Charles on this one who was one of his idols. So talented.
I was just thinking the same thing, the way he was singing this live is different from the studio version and sounded like Ray Charles.
Stiletto, and The Stranger and Until The Night are three that you didn't hear much but are some of the best
My favorite Billy Joel song!
No, he's leaving NYC for upstate NY!
The Hudson River line is up here where it's way laid back among the lakes and forests.
Look up The Hawk's Nest in NY. It's just down the road from me.
Too many people think all of NY is just like NYC. All my neighbors have four legs. I'm in the woods! lol
Old Grey Whistle Test is in Britain. Fantastic!
Great video fellahs. I'm a jazz guy , and Billy Joel can do no wrong. A phenomenal musical talent.
I love y'all ❤
You guys should put "Billy Joel - Prelude/Angry Young Man (Live from Long Island)" into the RUclips search and do a reaction to the video. Live concert, AGGRESSIVE piano playing, and Billy Joel is performing with a BROKEN LEFT THUMB. You can easily see the tape on his thumb in the video.
He is so good he does not even know how good he is
From his album turnstiles probably his best full length statement as a pop music artist....
He's American Musical Royality
Great reaction! Love Billy Joel and glad that you enjoy him too! Thanks! :)
If you want to see him play some crazy piano find “Angry Young Man” by Billy. My first concert was Billy Joel and did not disappoint!
Simply a classic! Great reactions and energy guys....
This song is a perfect example of why they call him the "piano man"
Billy knew how to write songs that showcased sax player Mark Rivera's talent
Not trying to be a dick here but Mark did not join Billy's touring band until 1982 and did not play on a Billy Joel album until 1983, which was his ninth of only twelve.
Prior to that, Richie Cannata (who is on saxophone in this performance) played in Billy's band.
Two other great versions of this are Billy and Garth Brooks and Billy Joel question and answer session at Vanderbilt College...
It's easy to tell he idolizes Ray Charles. Check out the song they did together called "Baby Grand". Amazing stuff.
Another great live performance - Prelude/Angry Young Man, live from Long Island.
The best!❤
The Downeaster Alexa is a great song by Billy to check out. It's about fishing for a living
Angry Young Man live is phenomenal
He was classically trained on the piano!
52nd Street album. Stiletto and Zanzibar. 2 of his best.