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Jonny May
Quick Tip
Intermediate
20:48

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  • Analysis
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  • Pop
  • Rock
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Do you want to play piano with the legendary style and ingenuity of Billy Joel? Well, in today’s Quick Tip, The 7 Most Iconic Billy Joel Intros, Jonny May breaks down how and why the award-winning songwriter’s piano parts feel just right. You’ll discover:

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Intro to Billy Joel’s Piano Style

It’s almost impossible to truly understand Billy Joel as a pianist without first knowing about him as a person. That’s precisely because his music is about his life. To boil it all down to harmonic concepts or rhythmic motifs would be to truly miss the point. Everything Billy Joel has experienced, whether good or bad, has gone into his music. Moreover, his broad musical influences have equipped him with the unique ability to adapt his piano style as needed to serve his creative interests as a songwriter and storyteller.

Billy Joel’s Musical Influences

Childhood Influences

Billy Joel’s earliest musical tastes were shaped by his father, Helmut Joel, who was a classically-trained pianist. As a young boy, Billy’s father would come home from his job at General Electric and unwind at the piano as he practiced classical pieces by Chopin and Bartok.¹ One of Billy Joel’s earliest and most enduring musical heroes is Beethoven, who he actually credits as a co-writer on his 1984 song “This Night.” In fact, if you listen Beethoven’s ‘Pathétique’ Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 – II. Adagio cantabile followed by the chorus to “This Night,” you won’t be able to un-hear the allusion. As a school age boy, Billy Joel was also influenced by Elvis Presley. In fact, his first public performance was a 4th-grade impression of Elvis’ “Hound Dog,” which got cut short when Billy started imitating Elvis’ controversial hip gyrations.²

Teenage Influences

As a teen, Billy Joel enjoyed listening to the music of R&B artists like Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding. However, he experienced an awakening in February of 1964 when he saw The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. That was when he knew that he wanted to be a professional musician.³ Other influences during Billy Joel’s teenage years included diverse artists such as English rock band The Rolling Stones, West Coast jazz pianist Dave Brubeck, and folk singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan, Randy Newman and Paul Simon.⁴ In addition, Billy Joel’s all-time favorite singer was Ray Charles, whom he later collaborated with to write “Baby Grand” in 1986.

Piano Techniques

Given his wide array of musical influences, it’s no surprise that Billy Joel is such a versatile pianist. In a 2024 interview with Howard Stern, Joel describes how he frequently approaches the piano as a percussion instrument. In fact, Joel says that his 1976 song “Prelude/Angry Young Man” was conceived by essentially playing the drum part from Surfaris’ “Wipe Out” (1963) on the piano.⁵ Other Billy Joel tunes that incorporate a strong groove approach to the piano include “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” (1977), “Big Shot” (1979) and  “Allentown” (1982).

At other times, Billy Joel overtly uses jazz and blues piano techniques in his playing. For example, “Big Man on Mulberry Street” (1986) is loaded with tasty blues piano licks. Moreover, Joel’s breathtaking piano chords on “And So It Goes” (1990) includes both drop 2 voicings and the Mu chord.

Still, Billy Joel has never outgrown his early affinity for classical music. Instead, his success as a rock ‘n’ roll artist has allowed him to become a promoter of his love for classical music. In 2001, he released Fantasies & Delusions, a classical album of original compositions performed by pianist Richard Hyung-ki Joo. In doing so, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame songwriter managed to secure the #1 spot on the Billboard classical music chart for eighteen weeks!⁶

Top 7 Billy Joel Piano Intros with Analysis

Now that we’ve learned a bit about Billy Joel’s musical background and influences, let’s take a closer look at some of his amazing work. In particular, his piano intros are among the many things that he does really well as a songwriter. In this section, we’ll learn more about the 7 songs that Jonny covers in today’s tutorial on The 7 Most Iconic Billy Joel Intros. For each selection, you’ll be able to listen to the song and also see an analysis of the chords that Billy Joel uses in the intro.

#1 – Just the Way You Are

“Just the Way You Are” was released in 1977 as the second single off of The Stranger, Billy Joel’s 5th studio album. The love ballad was written for Elizabeth Weber, Joel’s then-wife and manager. While the tune remains Billy Joel’s biggest hit, it was almost cut from the album for fear of being too “cheesy.” Fortunately, Joel allowed singer and colleague Phoebe Snow to hear a ruff mix of the song, which caused her to burst into tears. “Is it that bad?” Joel asked. To his surprise, Snow responded, “It is the greatest thing I’ve ever heard. I’m weeping with joy!”⁷ Snow’s hunch was proven right in 1979 when the song earned Joel Grammy Awards for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year.⁸

“Just the Way You Are” (1977)

The Stranger

“Just the Way You Are” Piano Intro Chords

Billy Joel Piano Intro - Just the Way You Are

Billy Joel’s iconic Fender Rhodes intro on “Just the Way You Are” uses contrasting colors of the Ⅳ chord over a tonic pedal in D major. For example, measures 1 and 3 contain the more nostalgic sound of Gm⁶/D while measures 2 and 4 contain the brighter sound of G/D. This harmonic duality of the major Ⅳ chord and the minor Ⅳ chord recur throughout the tune, enabling the listener to feel Joel’s lyrics on a human level:

“I took the good times, I’ll take the bad timesI’ll take you just the way you are.”

#2 – Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is a critically acclaimed, seven-and-a-half-minute narrative trilogy that closed out the A-side of Billy Joel’s The Stranger (1977). The epic song, which started out as three separate tunes, eavesdrops on a conversation between old friends reminiscing about high school memories in Long Island. The tale opens with “The Italian Restaurant Song” which then transitions into “Things are O.K. in Oyster Bay.” After a brief piano solo, the story segues into “The Ballad of Brenda and Eddie.” While “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” was never released as a single, it has become one of Joel’s staple songs and is often included in his concerts. In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked the song as #325 on their list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.⁹

“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” (1977)

The Stranger

“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” Piano Intro Chords

Billy Joel Piano Intro - Scenes from an Italian RestaurantBilly Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” begins in the key of F major with a charming piano intro. The introduction is based on a 2-5-1 chord progression and combines several common pop rock piano techniques. For example, the right hand includes parallel 6ths and broken chord patterns with 8th notes and 16th notes. In the left hand, Billy Joel plays the root of each chord in octaves to create a rich, full piano sound. One subtle and unique aspect of this piano intro is that Joel plays the 16th notes in measures 1–2 with a slight swing feel whereas the 16th notes in measures 3–4 are played with a straight feel.

🔎 Explore classic pop rock piano accompaniment patterns in our full-length course on Pop & Contemporary Piano Accompaniment Patterns (Beg/Int, Int/Adv).

#3 – Vienna

“Vienna” is a likable Billy Joel piano ballad that kicked off the B-side of his 5th studio album, The Stranger (1977). The song was also included on the B-side of the 1977 single “Just the Way You Are.” Metaphorically speaking, the lyrics of “Vienna” are about growing older and repeatedly encourage listeners to slow down—”You can afford to lose a day or two, When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?” Beneath the surface, Billy Joel wrote “Vienna” about his father, Helmut “Howard” Joel, who was a German immigrant in America.¹⁰ Billy Joel’s parents divorced when he was just 8 years old.¹¹ After the divorce, Helmut went back to Europe and settled in Vienna.¹²

“Vienna” (1977)

The Stranger

“Vienna” Piano Intro Chords

Billy Joel Piano Intro - Vienna

It is fitting that “Vienna” opens with a neoclassical piano intro. After all, Billy Joel’s father, Helmut Joel, was a classically-trained pianist. In fact, the first three piano chords of the “Vienna” are quite rare for mainstream pop music, especially in immediate succession. Specifically, there’s an augmented triad followed by and altered dominant, which gives way to a diminished 7th chord. The melody in the intro of “Vienna” also incorporates classical sensibilities with its pervasive use of ornamentation.

#4 – Only the Good Die Young

“Only the Good Die Young” was released in 1978 as the 3rd single in the U.S. off of Billy Joel’s The Stranger (1977). The fast-paced, pop-rock shuffle is infused with the spirit of teenage rebellion. Although the song was not initially a major hit, its provocative message caused it to become banned by several radio stations and Catholic archdioceses. Ironically, the bans had the unintended effect of propelling record sales of the single. According to Joel’s analysis, “There’s nothing that sells a record like a ban or a boycott…as soon as kids found out that there was some authority that didn’t want them to hear it, they went out and bought it in droves.”¹³

“Only the Good Die Young” (1978)

The Stranger

“Only the Good Die Young” Piano Intro Chords

Only the Good Die Young

“Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel is in the key of C major and opens with an iconic piano intro. At the onset of the song, Joel creates a bell-like effect on the piano by playing second inversion chords in the mid-to-upper register of the instrument.

🔎 For a deep dive on contemporary pop piano approaches, check out our Pop Piano Learning Track (Int, Adv).

#5 – My Life

“My Life” was released in 1978 as the lead single from Billy Joel’s 6th studio album, 52 Street. The lyrics of the mid-tempo rock number personify the attitude of a defiant, coming-of-age teen. In recalling the song’s origins, Joel likens it to an argument between a teen and their parent(s). For instance, the teen cries out, “I don’t care what you say anymore, this is my life,” to which the parent responds, “Go ahead with your own life and leave me alone.”¹⁴ The song, which reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, helped 52nd Street become Joel’s first album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200.

“My Life” (1978)

52nd Street

“My Life” Piano Intro Chords

Billy Joel Piano Intro - My Life

Billy Joel’s 1978 hit single “My Life” is in the key of D major. The song intro opens with both piano and keyboard parts that lock tightly into a driving, medium tempo groove with an acoustic guitar, electric bass and drums. The groove is propelled in part by steady 8th notes in octaves with the left hand. In addition, the right hand contributes syncopated rhythmic figures with various slash chords and chord extensions. Moreover, the harmony also draws on several borrowed chords to create interesting and unexpected colors.

#6 – Piano Man

“Piano Man” was released in 1973 as the lead single from Billy Joel’s 2nd studio album, which was also named Piano Man. The lyrics to “Piano Man” are a fictional account of actual bar patrons that Billy Joel encountered during his short stint as a lounge performer at The Executive Room in Los Angeles in 1972.¹⁵ In fact, the waitress practicing politics was actually Elizabeth Weber, who later became Joel’s wife. “Piano Man” became Joel’s first major hit, peaking at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition, the tune became Billy Joel’s signature song and nickname from then on.

“Piano Man” (1973)

Piano Man

Intro Chords for “Piano Man”

Billy Joel Piano - Piano Man

Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” is in the key of C major. The song opens with a famous bluesy piano cadenza that is immediately recognizable. Afterward, a quaint harmonica melody enters over a folksy piano accompaniment in 3/4 time. The chord progression for “Piano Man” is built on a bass line that features descending scale motion from the tonic all the way down to the 2nd scale tone. Toward the end of the intro, the bass and drums enter as the chord progression shifts to a four-measure vamp over a tonic pedal.

🔎 Learn to accompany and improvise over the chord progression from “Piano Man” in our full-length course The Love Progression Challenge (Beg–Adv).

#7 – New York State of Mind

“New York State of Mind” is a song from Billy Joel’s 4th studio album, Turnstiles (1976). Although the song was never released as a single, the soulful ballad is regarded as one of Joel’s most brilliant masterpieces of songwriting. Joel was inspired to write “New York State of Mind” from the well of emotions that he experienced in relocating back to New York City from Hollywood in 1975. Consequently, the song has become an anthem of New York pride that is as cherished as the city’s beloved skyline. The song also became the catalyst and title of a children’s book by Billy Joel about New York City.

“New York State of Mind” (1976)

Turnstiles

“New York State of Mind” Piano Intro Chords

Billy Joel Piano - New York State of Mind

“New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel is in the key of C major. The piano intro features soulful trademarks of gospel piano technique including passing chords, dominant sus chords and licks that draw on pentatonic and blues scales. The intro also contains jazzy techniques such as minor 9th voicings and the backdoor dominant resolution.

The Next Chapter

In February 2024, Billy Joel took to the stage at the Grammy Awards to debut his new mainstream single, “Turn the Light Back On.” The piano ballad has a timeless sound that is satisfyingly reminiscent of earlier ballads in the songwriter’s catalogue. And yet, the lyrics seem to suggest that the seventy-something Piano Man is looking forward. Billy Joel fans are hopeful that the tune may suggest an exciting new chapter in the beloved songwriter’s creative output. Although Joel has maintained an active performing schedule, “Turn the Lights Back On” marks his first new single in 17 years. Furthermore, it’s been over 30 years since the release of his most recent album, River of Dreams (1993).

Having sold more than 150 million records, Billy Joel ranks as one of most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in the world. Throughout the years, Joel’s songs have acted as personal and cultural touchstones for millions of people, mirroring his own goal of writing songs that “meant something during the time in which I lived … and transcended that time.”¹⁶

Outside his work as an entertainer, The Joel Foundation is proud to support organizations that bring the power of music to NYC students, communities and artists. The charitable organization is also involved in assisting populations that are experiencing food and shelter insecurities.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’ve completed today’s lesson on The 7 Most Iconic Billy Joel Piano IntrosWe hope that this lesson has inspired you in your own piano learning journey.

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Sources:

¹ Bego, Mark. “His Childhood.” Billy Joel: The Biography, Thunder’s Mouth Press, New York, NY, 2007, pp. 15–16.

² Bego, Mark. “Living Here In Levittown.” Billy Joel: The Biography, Thunder’s Mouth Press, New York, NY, 2007, pp. 23.

³ Bego, Mark. “Living Here In Levittown.” Billy Joel: The Biography, Thunder’s Mouth Press, New York, NY, 2007, pp. 28-29.

⁴ Marchese, David. “In Conversation: Billy Joel.” Vulture.com, Vulture, 23 July 2018.

“Billy Joel: SirusXM Howard Stern Interview.” YouTube.com, 14 Feb. 2024.

⁶ Wawzenek, Bryan. “15 Years Ago: Billy Joel Gets Classical on ‘Fantasies and Delusions.’” UltimateClassicRock.com, 27 Sept. 2016.

⁷ Bego, Mark. “The Stranger.” Billy Joel: The Biography, Thunder’s Mouth Press, New York, NY, 2007, pp. 119–120.

“Artist: Billy Joel.” Grammy.com.

“The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024.

¹⁰ Bego, Mark. “The Stranger.” Billy Joel: The Biography, Thunder’s Mouth Press, New York, NY, 2007, pp. 117.

¹¹ Bego, Mark. “His Childhood.” Billy Joel: The Biography, Thunder’s Mouth Press, New York, NY, 2007, pp. 16–21.

¹² Walthall, Catherine. “Behind the Meaning of the Carpe Diem Song ‘Vienna’ by Billy Joel.” American Songwriter, 28 Nov. 2023.

¹³ Bego, Mark. “The Stranger.” Billy Joel: The Biography, Thunder’s Mouth Press, New York, NY, 2007, pp. 117–118.

¹⁴ Bego, Mark. “Jazz on Fifty-Second Street.” Billy Joel: The Biography, Thunder’s Mouth Press, New York, NY, 2007, pp. 135.

¹⁵ Uitti, Jacob. “Behind the Meaning of the Classic Piano Bar Song, ‘Piano Man’ by Billy Joel.” American Songwriter, 22 Feb. 2023.

¹⁶ “Billy Joel Biography.” BillyJoel.com, Sony Music Entertainment., 15 Jan. 2022.


Writer
Michael LaDisa

Michael LaDisa graduated from the University of North Texas with a major in Music Theory & Composition. He lives in Chicago where he operates a private teaching studio and performs regularly as a solo pianist. His educational work with students has been featured on WGN-TV Evening News, Fox 32 Good Day,...

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