BILLY JOEL :MY LIFE - A Visual Tribute

My journey back into drawing began in 2014-2015 after a long hiatus dating back to 1973. One
of my earliest projects upon returning to art was a piece dedicated to Billy Joel, a musician
whose career I had followed closely since my youth in Sag Harbor, NY., the village where Billy
has had a home for years. He loves Sag Harbor, and has done a great deal for the "locals"
here.

My awareness of Billy’s immense talent goes years—not just as a piano player, but as a singer-
songwriter, which was rare for piano players at the time. In the 1950s, there were Jerry Lee

Lewis and Little Richard, but the 1960s saw a gap. The 1970s, however, opened the door for
Elton John in 1970, and .Billy a few years later (1973-74)
The drawing I created is a 24 x 48” landscape-style piece that captures four distinct eras of
Billy’s musical journey. Each section portrays a different persona that defined his career:
1. The Piano Man – The beginning of his rise, embodying the storyteller behind the keys.
In his eye you'll see:"When you look into my eyes, and you see the crazy gypsy in my
soul". In his nose it says: "Capt. Jack will get you high tonight.". Out of his mouth comes
"Sing us a song you're the piano man." One of his hair strands says: Another serenader
in another long-haired band"
2. The Stranger – The era that cemented his place as a global star. His Eyes: "It was there
that the stranger kicked me right between the eyes". Also : You're so surprised that you
never saw the stranger." His nose is smelling the wine : "Bottle of red; bottle of white."
His mouth is saying: "We all have a face that we hide away forever."
3. An Innocent Man – A reflection of nostalgia and musical versatility. Eyes: "Some prople
see through the eys of the old before they ever get a look at the young." His mouth: "I
am an innocent man; oh yes I am an innocent man."
4. The Man – The legend, a lifetime of achievements etched into his legacy.
Angry Young Man or not, Billy has always seemed to have a label.. Each portrait in my piece is
composed of words, facts, and musical trivia tied to the respective album or period it represents.
The final section, “The Man,” is constructed from his numerous accolades, awards, and career
milestones, including record sales and Kennedy Center Honors.
What makes this piece particularly striking is how dramatically Billy’s appearance evolves over
the decades. Most people retain a certain consistency in their facial structure, but Billy’s
different eras showcase such transformation that they almost appear to be different people. This
evolution is what makes him such an intriguing figure to capture artistically.
This work remains a personal favorite among my projects, encapsulating a 40-50 year span of a
true musical giant’s life and career. Billy Joel’s impact on music is undeniable, and I wanted to
create a tribute that reflects the depth of his journey and the legacy he continues to build.