PHOTO CREDITS
(This Page): Don Hunstein © Sony Music Entertainment; pt1.1: Billy Joel Archive; pt2.1: Don Hunstein © Sony Music Entertainment; pt3.1: © Timothy White 1989; pt4.1: Myrna Suarez/Twin b Photography
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i1.1, i1.2, i1.3, i1.4: Billy Joel Archive; i1.5, i1.6, i1.7: Billy Joel Archive; i1.8, i1.9, i1.10: Billy Joel Archive; i1.11: Billy Joel Archive; i1.12: Don Hunstein © Sony Music Entertainment; i1.13: Don Hunstein © Sony Music Entertainment; i1.14: Rhys Clark; i1.15: Don Hunstein © Sony Music Entertainment; i1.16: Billy Joel Archive; i1.17: Rhys Clark; i1.18: Peter Cunningham; i1.19: Richie Cannata Collection; i1.20: Don Hunstein © Sony Music Entertainment; i1.21: Sony Music Archives; i1.22: © Estate of David Gahr; i1.23: Kip Gibson Archive; i1.24: Christie Brinkley Archive
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i2.1: Christie Brinkley Archive; i2.2: Sam Emerson; i2.3, i2.4: Neal Preston; i2.5: Larry Busacca; i2.6: Jeff Schock; i2.7: Billy Joel Archive; i2.8: Carolyn Beegan; i2.9: Kevin Mazur; i2.10: Billy Joel Archive/Terry Delroy Aruba; i2.11, i2.12: Kevin Mazur; i2.13: © Billy Black; i2.14, i2.15: Kevin Mazur; i2.16: Fred Schruers; i2.17: Billy Joel Archive/Kristen Gray; i2.18: Jeff Schock; i2.19: Billy Joel Archive; i2.20: Jeff Schock
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks must first go to Billy Joel himself, for his music, which has intertwined with his life as he has written and performed it over the past few decades.
With the help and understanding of various members of Billy’s support team, and with the guidance of my agent David Vigliano, arrangements were made with New York–based Crown Archetype, an imprint of Penguin Random House, to write this book based on extensive interviews and research.
From the outset, the team at Crown, including my editor, Matt Inman, never missed a beat. Perhaps no writer should confess how very vital was the role Matt played in ways large and small. He was indefatigable, impeccably attuned to both the orderly and creative aspects of the effort, and had his eye on every comma while never losing sight of the larger picture. Willing and expert help from his editorial colleague Jenni Zellner and the copy, art, and production departments has meant that any flaws are mine, but the ultimate result owes many thanks to them. Also, many thanks to the publicity and marketing teams at Crown, including Ellen Folan, Tammy Blake, and Julie Cepler.
The team around Billy Joel is an exceptionally able and amiable one. I’m grateful for the help of his longstanding creative touchstones, Steve Cohen and Brian Ruggles, and to tour director Max Loubiere, tour manager Mike Grizel, assistant road manager Bill Zampino, security man Noel Rush, assistant tour manager Mickey Heyes, personal assistant Keri Aylward, production manager Bobby Thrasher, deputy Liz Mahon, piano tech and all-around problem solver Wayne Williams, and guitar tech Ricky “Chainsaw” LaPointe.
The crackerjack band that’s been traveling with Billy for the past several years includes Dave Rosenthal on a variety of keyboards, who’s achieved a kind of concert master stature in his three decades with Billy; Mark Rivera on sax, vocals, guitar, flute, and even a little cowbell and other percussion touches, perhaps matched in his versatility and showmanship only by Crystal Taliefero on percussion, guitar, saxophone, and vocals; Andy Cichon on bass and vocals; Chuck Burgi on drums (including many a strategic rim shot); and Carl Fischer, much lauded for his trumpet and flugelhorn solos. Utility player Mike DelGuidice has also become an essential addition.
Key help has come from folks at his label, Columbia, and other support staff. Booking agent Dennis Arfa has been a savvy guide since very near the beginning, and publicist Claire Mercuri brings her expertise and has been a steady confidante and protective presence for Billy for many years. Archivist Jeff Schock’s assistance and insight have been crucial in completing this book. Motorcycle savant Alex Puls and Gene Pelland, skipper to Billy’s small fleet of boats, bring their own unique skills.
To the many willing folks who were interviewed and who appear in these pages, sincere appreciation. Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone shared his archives and his insight. I was immeasurably buoyed along the way by my brain trust of Jason Fine, Roger Director, Dave Hirshey, Guy Martin, Gil Schwartz, Michael Solomon, Bob Wallace, and James Webster.
Going back many years to the generous support of the Labor, Industry and Commerce Organization of Students, especially founder Stephen McWilliams, I offer everlasting thanks.
To my beloved wife, Kate, and my son, Ridley, all my love and gratitude for hanging in, time and again and always, while I was on the road or deeply enmeshed in the work.
My ultimate thanks go to the readers of this book.
Billy Joel Page 39