Billy Joel

The Definitive Biography

De: Fred Schruers

Narrado por: Kirk Thornton

The all-access biography and unprecedented look at the life, career, and legacy of a pint-sized kid from Long Island who became a music legend.

Exhibiting unparalleled intimate knowledge, Schruers chronicles Joel’s rise to the top of the charts, from his working-class origins in Levittown and early days spent in boxing rings and sweaty clubs to his monumental success in the seventies and eighties. He also explores Joel’s creative transformation in the nineties, his dream performance with Paul McCartney at Shea Stadium in 2008, and beyond.

Along the way, Schruers reveals the stories behind all the key events and relationships—including Joel’s high-profile marriages and legal battles—that defined 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, he captures the spirit of a restless artist determined to break through by sharing, in his deeply personal lyrics, the dreams and heartbreaks of suburban American life.

Comprehensive, vibrantly written, and filled with Joel’s 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 is the definitive account of a beloved rock star’s epic American journey.

©2014 Fred Schruers (P)2014 Billy Joel

Reseñas de la Crítica

"If you call yourself a Joel fan, you'll be reading this." –Newsday

"Schruers clearly realizes he has gold in his interviews with Joel, his friends, paramours and confidants... [He delivers] insights on individual songs that will surprise even the most studied Joel fan.... [and] has given us the most complete look at Joel’s life and career to date." –Dallas Morning News

[Billy Joel] not only lives up to its subtitle, but has the strengths of both an autobiography and biography.... [It] will likely end up as the most complete tome on the Bard of Long Island, with the most access to its subject." –Houston Press

Wonderful story.

I love when history ties in with icons we grew up with. It makes us realize history wasn’t so long ago. I have even more respect to Joel than I did before. I would highly recommend this book.

Great Bio!

What a great insight into the man behind the music! Have loved the music of Billy Joel and his storytelling for years.

More like a soap opera than a rockstar's biography

How lovely to hear about Billy's love-life, time after time. Would much prefer to learn about his journey as a rockstar. Oh, but then I remember, he wasn't one.

Fantastic

The narrator did a fantastic job. His subtle voice changes really brought Billy's story to life.

Great collection of facts and stories

I enjoyed the book a great deal and learned a lot about a performer I enjoy.

Really a Good Read Listen

Having heard the music most of my life this work connects the stories very well. Much learned and much remembered. He is a part of us.

The Worst Narrator

The narrator was the worst of any book I have listened to. Every time he quoted someone he tried to imitate them and his impressions where terrible. He sounded nothing like Billy Joel or his wives and his English accents were embarrassing.

What I was looking for, but…

Good. Did the job.
However, I was left feeling a bit lacking in information.

The narrator, perhaps did too good a job at a Billy imitation. Somehow, it through me off a bit.

Good read but, didn’t blow my skirt up.

Great for any Joel fan

If you are a Billy Joel fan, this is spectacular! I thoroughly enjoyed it and even thought the narrator sounded a little like him at times.

Very interesting and informative bio of the Piano Man

I learned a lot about the life and influences on Billy Joel's remarkable catalog. As a lifelong fan, I don't think I'll be able to listen to his music without remembering the context in which it was created from now on.