"In a documentary trailer, Billy Joel unveils the classical music foundations of one his most renowned hits, 'Uptown Girl'"
Get ready, music lovers! HBO's upcoming documentary, "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," promises an intimate look into the life and career of one of the most iconic pop-rock artists of our time. Scheduled to debut on 18th July, this two-part series will delve into the musical journey of Billy Joel, featuring contributions from his friends, collaborators, family, and contemporaries, including the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, and Christie Brinkley.
The trailer for the documentary features a piano variation of Joel's hit song "Uptown Girl" with melodic trills reminiscent of Amadeus, offering a tantalising taste of the musical mastery that lies ahead. In the trailer, Springsteen proclaims Joel's melodies to be better than his own, while McCartney expresses surprise upon first hearing Joel's music, stating, "Wait a minute - who's this?"
The documentary will not only offer new one-on-one interviews with Joel but will also include previously unseen performances, home movie clips, and personal photographs, providing a unique insight into Joel's life and career.
Billy Joel's musical roots are firmly planted in a more traditional area, as revealed in the documentary. His pop-rock style was significantly influenced by classical music, particularly the work of Ludwig van Beethoven. Joel incorporated Beethoven’s compositional techniques and melodies into his songs, such as in his 1983 hit "This Night," which uses the central melody from Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8, known as the "Pathétique Sonata."
Joel's love for classical music extends to composers like Rachmaninoff, as highlighted in documentaries showcasing his diverse stylistic inspirations. However, Joel's songwriting also reflects early rock and roll and rhythm & blues roots, inspired by artists like Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers, alongside the transformational impact of the Beatles on his decision to pursue music.
Despite currently facing up to some serious health issues, which have forced him to cancel all live performances for the rest of this year and into 2026, Joel believes that music saved his life and gave him a reason to live. The health issue Joel is facing is a rare brain disorder.
Join us on 18th July as we embark on this musical journey with Billy Joel, celebrating his extraordinary career and the impact his music has had on the world.
[1] Beethoven's Influence on Billy Joel's Music [2] Billy Joel's Classical Inspirations [3] Billy Joel's Early Music Influences [4] Billy Joel's Love for Classical Music
- In the intriguing documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes", viewers can observe how classical music, notably Ludwig van Beethoven's work, significantly impacted Joel's pop-rock style.
- The documentary also reveals Billy Joel's admiration for various classical composers, such as Rachmaninoff, showcasing his diverse stylistic influences in music.
