| BILLY JOEL NETWORTH :- $225 Million Annual Income :- $50 Million Born:- William Martin Joel Other names :- The Piano Man Date Of Birth :- May 9, 1949 Age :-74 Place Of Birth :- New York City, U.S. Gender : Male Height :- 5′ 5″ Weight :- 170 pounds (77 kg). Occupations :- Singer, songwriter, pianist Nationality :- United States Of America |
1. What is Billy Joel’s Net Worth?
Billy Joel, an American singer and songwriter, possesses a net worth of $225 million. Renowned as one of the best-selling music artists in history, he has sold over 160 million records worldwide. Throughout the 1970s and ’80s, Joel experienced the pinnacle of his career, releasing a series of highly successful albums and singles that have since become timeless classics.
Joel’s exceptional talent lies in his storytelling prowess and his knack for creating unforgettable, melodious pop songs. Notable among his extensive discography are his chart-topping albums such as “The Stranger” (1977), featuring hits like “Just the Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” and “Only the Billy Joel’s album “Good Die Young,” and “52nd Street” (1978) garnered him the esteemed Grammy for Album of the Year, along with the well-received single “My Life.” Additionally, his album “Glass Houses” (1980) achieved the top spot on the charts with the hit song “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” while “An Innocent Man” (1983) pays tribute to the diverse music styles of the 1950s and ’60s.
Among his vast repertoire, “Piano Man,” from his eponymous album released in 1973, holds a special place in the hearts of his fans. Often regarded as his signature tune, this song perfectly showcases Joel’s ability to weave relatable narratives into captivating music.
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2. Early Life
William Martin Joel, a native of the Bronx, New York City, was born on May 9, 1949. His father, a German classical pianist and businessman, fled the Nazis with his family through Switzerland and Cuba before settling in the United States. Joel’s mother’s family hailed from Kent, England, and his parents met at a Gilbert and Sullivan performance at the City College of New York in the late 1930s. Joel grew up in Hicksville, Long Island, with his younger sister, Judy, after his family moved there when he was still young. His parents divorced in 1957, and his father returned to Europe, where he remarried and had a son, Alexander Joel, who also pursued a career in music.
At the age of four, Joel began taking piano lessons at his mother’s urging, which sparked his lifelong love and appreciation for classical music. He joined his first band, The Echoes, at the age of 14, driven by his passion for all things musical. Although he attended Hicksville High School, he did not graduate due to insufficient credits. Instead of taking summer classes to complete his education, he chose to pursue a full-time career in music.
3. Career
Joel departed from the band The Echoes in 1967, which was later renamed to the Lost Souls, and joined the group the Hassles. The Hassles had a contract with United Artists Records and released multiple singles and albums, although none of their releases gained significant traction. In 1969, Joel and the band’s drummer, Jon Small, left the group and formed the duo Attila. They released their self-titled album in July 1970, but their partnership was short-lived due to Joel’s involvement in an affair with Small’s wife, Elizabeth.
In 1971, Joel embarked on a solo career after signing a deal with record company Family Productions. He released his debut solo album, “Cold Spring Harbor” in 1971. Although the album did not achieve commercial success, it caught the attention of Columbia Records, who signed him in 1972. Under Columbia, Joel released the albums “Piano Man” (1973), “Streetlife Serenade” (1974), and “Turnstiles” (1976). However, it was his fourth solo album, “The Stranger” (1977), that propelled him to mainstream popularity. Selling over 10 million copies, “The Stranger” spawned hit singles such as “Just the Way You Are”, “Only the Good Die Young”, and “She’s Always a Woman”. Joel continued his musical journey with subsequent albums including “52nd Street” (1978), “Glass Houses” (1980), “The Nylon Curtain” (1982), “An Innocent Man” (1983), “The Bridge” (1986), “Storm Front” (1989), and “River of Dreams” (1993).
With record sales exceeding 150 million worldwide, Billy Joel has become one of the best-selling artists in history. He has been honored with 23 Grammy nominations, winning six Grammys. Additionally, he is a member of both the Songwriter Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Joel retired from active recording in 1993, although he did release the album “Fantasies & Delusions” in 2001. Departing from his usual style and material, this album features classical piano compositions performed by his longtime friend and pianist Richard Hyung-ki Joo.
Joel, who has toured both solo and with other artists such as Elton John, has been performing a monthly residency at Madison Square Garden since 2014. In fact, he recently played his 72nd consecutive monthly show there on January 25, 2020. His popularity is evident in the success of his compilation album, “Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2” (1985), which became one of the best-selling albums in the US. Additionally, Joel was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2013. However, Joel has announced that his residency at Madison Square Garden will come to a close in July 2024, after his 100th performance in the series, which will also mark his 150th lifetime performance at the venue.
4. Financial Problems
In 1989, Billy initiated legal proceedings against Frank Weber, his former manager, seeking $90 million in damages. Weber, who was also his former brother-in-law, was accused of mismanaging $30 million of the singer’s funds. As a result, Weber filed for bankruptcy. Furthermore, Billy pursued legal action against his accountants and lawyers, eventually reaching a settlement of $8 million.
5. Other Projects
Joel, with assistance from Fred Schruers, penned his memoir titled “The Book of Joel: A Memoir” (2011). In addition to his literary accomplishments, he is the proprietor of the Long Island Boat Company and operates a boutique in Oyster Bay, Long Island, specializing in the production of bespoke motorcycles with a nostalgic design. Furthermore, in 2014, a biography titled “Billy Joel” was published, drawing upon Schruers’ in-depth personal interviews.
6. Personal Life
Joel’s initial spouse was Elizabeth Weber Small, with their relationship commencing as an extramarital affair while she was still wedded to Jon Small, one of Joel’s musical collaborators. Eventually, Joel and Small tied the knot in 1973, but unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 1982. The dissolution of their union, coupled with the mismanagement of approximately $30 million by Elizabeth’s brother Frank, as well as a substantial divorce settlement, left Billy in a state of financial destitution.
As he embarked on his second marriage to American model Christie Brinkley, Joel faced significant financial instability. To generate funds, he embarked on constant tours, which ultimately led to a significant strain in their relationship and allegations of infidelity. Their marriage lasted from 1985 to 1994, and they share a daughter named Alexa Ray Joel. Subsequently, Joel entered into his third marriage with chef Katie Lee, which lasted from 2004 to 2009. Currently, Joel is married to his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick. Although they officially tied the knot in 2015, they have been together since 2009. Together, they have two daughters named Della Rose Joel and Remy Anne Joel.
Joel’s educational journey took an unconventional path, as he never received his high school diploma due to insufficient credits in 1967. However, a quarter of a century later, he submitted essays to the school board of Hicksville High School to compensate for his missing credits. Consequently, he was granted his high school diploma during the school’s graduation ceremony in 1992. In addition to this achievement, Joel has been bestowed with numerous honorary doctorates from esteemed institutions such as Fairfield University, Berklee College of Music, Syracuse University, the Manhattan School of Music, and Stony Brook University.
7. Billy Joel Career Earnings
During the period of June 2017 to June 2018, Billy Joel’s earnings amounted to $45 million, while in the corresponding period between 2017 and 2019, he earned $50 million. Billy’s multi-year Madison Square Garden residencies, like the one he underwent in 2019, have proven to be highly lucrative, with each show earning him between $2-3 million. His New Year’s Eve show in 2019 alone grossed $4.6 million. From the start of his residency in 2014 until the end of 2019, Billy’s earnings from his MSG residency totaled $150 million.
8. Real Estate
Over the years, Billy Joel has been involved in the buying and selling of several impressive properties across the country, with notable locations in Florida and Long Island, New York. He has even sold homes to famous individuals such as Sting, Jerry Seinfeld, and Mickey Drexler, earning him the humorous title of “realtor to the stars.”
One of his most notable purchases was the Middlesea mansion, located on Centre Island in Oyster Bay, New York. In 2002, he bought the property for $22.5 million, which sat on 14 acres of land. Over time, he expanded the property to 26 acres, with the mansion growing from 14,000 to 20,000 square feet. The property also boasts a helipad, beach house, and two pools. In May 2023, Billy listed the property for sale at $49 million.
Aside from Middlesea, Billy also owns a property in Sag Harbor, New York. In 2014, he purchased two adjacent properties in Manalapan, Florida, for just under $12 million. One of the lots was undeveloped, while the other featured a nearly 9,000-square-foot mansion. He listed the combined compound for sale in 2015 for $29 million, but ultimately accepted $10.3 million in January 2020 for the mansion alone. The undeveloped lot remains unsold.
In 2006, Billy also bought a townhouse in New York City for $5.9 million, which he later gave to his ex-wife Katie Lee in their divorce settlement. She sold the property in 2011 for $12.9 million.
9. FAQs
- How did Billy Joel get his start in the music industry?
- Billy Joel’s music career began in his teenage years, performing in piano bars and clubs before gaining fame with the release of “Piano Man.”
- What is Billy Joel’s musical style?
- Billy Joel’s music is characterized by a blend of rock, pop, and classical influences, with a focus on relatable lyrics and storytelling.
- How many Grammy Awards has Billy Joel won?
- Billy Joel has won six Grammy Awards during his illustrious career.
- What is Billy Joel’s net worth in 2022?
- As of 2022, Billy Joel’s estimated net worth is approximately $225 million.
- What philanthropic causes does Billy Joel support?
- Billy Joel has been involved in various charitable causes, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.