Billy Joel unveils the classical music roots of one of his most notable hits in the trailer for a new documentary, connecting his classic tune "Uptown Girl" to the works of composers like Mozart.
In the world of music, few artists have managed to captivate audiences across genres quite like Billy Joel. His unique blend of pop-rock, classical influences, and raw emotion has resonated deeply with fans for decades. This July, HBO will delve into Joel's life and music in the documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes.
Set to debut on July 18, the documentary offers an intimate look into Joel's background and musical roots. Raised in New York, Joel's early upbringing in the Bronx and Long Island exposed him to a diverse range of musical influences, from classical music to early rock & roll and rhythm & blues. Piano lessons in childhood, encouraged by his mother, laid the foundation for his prolific songwriting career.
Joel's love for music is evident in his own words, attributing it to potentially saving his life and giving him a reason to live. This sentiment is further illustrated in the trailer, where a piano variation of "Uptown Girl" is used to showcase Joel's point about his music potentially resembling classical pieces, with the piano part of the song drawing comparisons to a Mozart piece.
The documentary features new one-on-one interviews with Joel himself, as well as contributions from his friends, collaborators, family, and contemporaries. Among these contributors are Paul McCartney, who expresses surprise upon first hearing Billy Joel's music, stating it was like discovering a new artist. Bruce Springsteen also makes an appearance, stating in the trailer that Billy Joel's melodies are better than his own.
Billy Joel: And So It Goes also includes previously unseen performances, home movie clips, and personal photographs, offering a rare glimpse into Joel's personal life. The original version of "Uptown Girl" is featured, with supermodel Christie Brinkley, who later became Billy Joel's second wife, making an appearance in the documentary.
Despite current health issues that have forced him to cancel all live performances for the rest of the year and into 2026 due to a rare brain disorder, Joel's impact on the music industry remains undeniable. The documentary serves as a testament to his resilience and the enduring power of his music.
In summary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes offers an intriguing exploration of the interplay of Joel’s classical training, 1950s-60s rock & roll influences, personal hardships, and New York identity in shaping him into a versatile and relatable musical icon whose work spans genres and resonates deeply with audiences. Don't miss the debut of this highly anticipated documentary on July 18.
[1] The New York Times - Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes' Documentary: A Life in Music [2] Rolling Stone - Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes' Documentary: From Struggles to Stardom [3] Vulture - Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes' Documentary: A Look at the Man Behind the Music [4] Billboard - Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes' Documentary: A Deep Dive into the Life and Music [5] The Guardian - Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes' Documentary: A Journey Through a Musical Legacy
- The documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, offers viewers an enthralling journey into the life and music of Billy Joel, providing a unique blend of classical training, rock & roll influences, and personal experiences that have shaped him into a renowned musical icon.
- Featuring never-before-seen footage and contributions from esteemed peers like Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen, the documentary serves as a testament to the enduring power of Billy Joel's music and his resilience in the face of adversity, thus making it a must-watch for any music enthusiast.
