Billy Joel

The Definitive Biography

By: Fred Schruers

Narrated by: 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

Critic reviews

"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

Fawning but likeable bio

What did you like best about Billy Joel? What did you like least?

This bio has much to love and hate, which seems to mirror the often dichotomous opinion people (or music critics) have of the Piano Man. Schruers covers all the bases of Joel's life from his ancestors hegira from Nazi Germany, to his early days on Long Island, through pop stardom and later touring years. As might be expected from Schruers somewhat abbreviated treatment, each episode is covered in an almost cursory way with little time for in depth exploration of Joel's musical influences, cultural context, or critical interpretation. The hits, loves, tribulations, drug and alcohol abuse just breeze by and readers hoping for critical analysis or even behind the scenes details may come away disappointed. Nevertheless, Billy Joel has its pluses. Schruers notes in his sources the hundred+ hours of interviews and access Joel gave him; add to this the interviews with others in Joel's entourage plus voluminous research and what you get is a book that brims with quotes for every occasion that often illuminates Joel's personality and humor. But therein also lies the problem. One gets the sense that this is less a biography than ghostwritten autobiography and Schruers' access may have come at the price of a reluctance to delve with any depth or criticism into the darker aspects of Joel's life. The end result is a sympathetic, almost fawning bio that will neither offend nor illuminate but should appeal to those interested in a quick, breezy read and whose curiosity about the Piano Man would be satisfied with a Joel on Joel treatment.

What about Kirk Thornton’s performance did you like?

I quite enjoyed the narration, particularly Thornton's stabs at imitating Elton John, Keith Richards and other musicians. That aside, the narration is jaunty and befits the material.

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.

The reason I play piano

Would you try another book from Fred Schruers and/or Kirk Thornton?

Probably not, the voice of Billy Joel and others were just not believable

Would you recommend Billy Joel to your friends? Why or why not?

No, because of the narration

How could the performance have been better?

Better voice for Billy Joel specifically

Could you see Billy Joel being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No... but if they did they would hire someone who is an addict in denial..Maybe Charlie Sheen.

Any additional comments?

Man, Oh Man was I disappointed in Billy Joel...my hero who was the reason I started playing piano is an ass who needs to get serious about recovery..He seems to be his own God, and as a God, what a let down...He's got serious problems with drinking, and women less than half his age....To me this goes to show what kind of human he is...He may be a master songwriter and musician but as a human being he is an egomaniac