Billy Joel is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer who was born on May 9, 1949 in The Bronx, New York. Joel’s family was very musically gifted; his father was a classical pianist and his half-brother is a classical conductor. His musical influences include the Drifters, the Four Seasons, and the Beatles. Starting his career as a teenager, he played piano in a number of bands before releasing his first solo album Cold Spring Harbor in 1971. He rose to prominence after releasing his album Piano Man in 1973. With over 12 albums to his name he’s also won numerous awards such as 4 Doctor of Music Awards, 1 Star on the Walk of Fame, and 2 ACE Awards