This was Joel's love letter to New York after he spent years in Los Angeles, hating it, trying to further his career, before coming home. He played this with a wounded wing -- he left thumb was taped up. Amazing songwriter, singer, pianist and perfomer.
Don't know if he still is but he lived in Madison Square Gardens for years can't get much more New York than that great "entertainer song writer musician .
Joel wrote the song after returning to the East Coast from Los Angeles, where he had spent the previous three years. The inspiration for 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 [wikipedia]
He was channelling Ray Charles here. Ray was Billy's favorite musician who he idolized. One of his most beautiful songs. He is an absolute wizard on the piano. The performance of this song is iconic. Everything about it works perfectly.
Yeah I always find his Live performances to be unnecessarily 'jazzed up' and make me want to hear the studio version badly. This is still entertaining because it's Billy, but I just really love the true radio hits I grew up listening to way more.
The thing about great musicians is the ‘feel’ they have for the music. Many can play the same song but they don’t have that special something that cannot be copied.
I am not a jazz fan either and that sax solo got on my last nerve. Don't know if he did a good job or not but it sounded like he was just making stuff up as he went along to me. Haha I do, however, love Billy Joel.
That saxophonist did an amazing job! He WAS “making stuff up” - that’s what jazz men (and women) do - improvise! Create! Too bad it got on your last nerve. 😢
Billy Joel is classically-trained on piano, like his father. Billy started playing at age four.
He's considered an incredible piano player.
This was Joel's love letter to New York after he spent years in Los Angeles, hating it, trying to further his career, before coming home. He played this with a wounded wing -- he left thumb was taped up. Amazing songwriter, singer, pianist and perfomer.
Don't know if he still is but he lived in Madison Square Gardens for years can't get much more New York than that great "entertainer song writer musician .
Joel wrote the song after returning to the East Coast from Los Angeles, where he had spent the previous three years. The inspiration for 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 [wikipedia]
That’s why he is called the Piano Man.
He was channelling Ray Charles here. Ray was Billy's favorite musician who he idolized. One of his most beautiful songs. He is an absolute wizard on the piano. The performance of this song is iconic. Everything about it works perfectly.
Yeah I always find his Live performances to be unnecessarily 'jazzed up' and make me want to hear the studio version badly. This is still entertaining because it's Billy, but I just really love the true radio hits I grew up listening to way more.
He is the Piano Man! One of a kind!
Wow 78 ,i was 6 years old. This song is so the taxi cab vibe or limo playlist for those going through and probably going to JFK.
Such a Legend of my youth! 🥰🎶He’s still phenomenal!!
Trust me, a musician who ended up with the violin and failing miserably at piano, he is a virtuoso pianist and definitely quite good at it.
GOAT
Best piano player ever, he is also a mad lyricist. I was 2 when this came out in 1973 ❤
He doesn't need to look for reasons to want to be in NY. He just does.
Me too. I'm a displaced native New Yorker. ✌️
Elite piano player, Writer, Singer, and performer.
He was classically trained and composes all types of music.
Billy can do “ stride” piano playing. Wow!!!!! No he’s definitely a piano genius at the next level. This was filmed in the 70’s.
He's talking about going on vacation in the same city he lives in, and his love for NYC.
He is homesick for NYC, is itching to get back asap.
Are you serious about the sax solo? I'm by no means a saxophone expert but I know that solo was freaking unreal.
The Piano Man videos is fantastic and fun from the beginning of his career. Takes place in a piano bar.
Oh no... he's amazing ☺️😌🤩🤩🤩
Billy Joel is a badass! An expert at that keyboard
That saxophonist, don't know his name, is spectacular.
Ritchie Cannata-he’s the best
@@chrism65324 oh, thanks!! He is amazing!!!
The thing about great musicians is the ‘feel’ they have for the music. Many can play the same song but they don’t have that special something that cannot be copied.
No, that's not normal. He's a god of piano. Thanks for noticing.
Piano Man da giovane era un portento ... Unico artista che ha solo gioielli nel suo repertorio 🎹👏
Pure talent!
Elton John and Stevie Wonder are just a couple great pianists
A total homage to Ray Charles!❤
There’s a video of him singing this with Tony Bennett. I recommend Scenes From an Italian Restaurant.
FYI: It's actually a lot easier to solo with one hand than with both. :)
By the way the saxophone player was excellent. Billy Joel was called the Piano Man..
Reminds me of Ray Charles. Check out "Goodnight Saigon".
Amazing.
Hell no pianists do not just typically play like the goat billy joel
I think he just missed the good parts of NY, like misty mornings by the Brooklyn Bridge or snowy winter morning walk along the Hudson River.
Pretty fucking dope! You talking real😄! Luv ya bro!
Billy Joel and Elton John are the best on the piano.
That was more like Billy Ray, Charles. LOL Still amazing though!
I have played piano for 30 years and I can't play like that.
Hes saying he lives there
I am not a jazz fan either and that sax solo got on my last nerve. Don't know if he did a good job or not but it sounded like he was just making stuff up as he went along to me. Haha I do, however, love Billy Joel.
That saxophonist did an amazing job! He WAS “making stuff up” - that’s what jazz men (and women) do - improvise! Create! Too bad it got on your last nerve. 😢
@@violetta507 Each to their own, Right Mimi? Thanks for the response.
@@sueharviel6510 you’re right Sue, thanks for your response 🎶 At least we both love Billy Joel.
@@violetta507 Exactly! Thank you! Have a wonderful day, my friend.
@@sueharviel6510 you too, new friend! 🍀
You should react to jid album
U very cute
Are you like 100 years old 'cause you talk like that!