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  • Billy Joel

  • The Definitive Biography
  • By: Fred Schruers
  • Narrated by: Kirk Thornton
  • Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (33 ratings)

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Billy Joel

By: Fred Schruers
Narrated by: Kirk Thornton
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Publisher's Summary

The all-access biography and unprecedented look at the life, career, and legacy of a pint-sized kid from Long Island who became a music legend.

Exhibiting unparalleled intimate knowledge, Schruers chronicles Joel’s rise to the top of the charts, from his working-class origins in Levittown and early days spent in boxing rings and sweaty clubs to his monumental success in the seventies and eighties. He also explores Joel’s creative transformation in the nineties, his dream performance with Paul McCartney at Shea Stadium in 2008, and beyond.

Along the way, Schruers reveals the stories behind all the key events and relationships—including Joel’s high-profile marriages and legal battles—that defined his path to stardom and inspired his signature songs, such as “Piano Man,” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” “New York State of Mind,” and “She’s Always a Woman.” Throughout, he captures the spirit of a restless artist determined to break through by sharing, in his deeply personal lyrics, the dreams and heartbreaks of suburban American life.

Comprehensive, vibrantly written, and filled with Joel’s memories and reflections—as well as those of the family, friends, and band members who have formed his inner circle, including Christie Brinkley, Alexa Ray Joel, Jon Small, and Steve Cohen—this is the definitive account of a beloved rock star’s epic American journey.

©2014 Fred Schruers (P)2014 Billy Joel

Critic Reviews

"If you call yourself a Joel fan, you'll be reading this." –Newsday

"Schruers clearly realizes he has gold in his interviews with Joel, his friends, paramours and confidants... [He delivers] insights on individual songs that will surprise even the most studied Joel fan.... [and] has given us the most complete look at Joel’s life and career to date." –Dallas Morning News

[Billy Joel] not only lives up to its subtitle, but has the strengths of both an autobiography and biography.... [It] will likely end up as the most complete tome on the Bard of Long Island, with the most access to its subject." –Houston Press

What listeners say about Billy Joel

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Bill Joel

Great listen about one of Long Island’s favourite sons with plenty of insight the roller coaster ride of a rock star being stiffed by people you love. There are plenty of us that just want to tip the hat and say thanks Billy we love the music

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant storytelling

Thankyou for such a brilliant account of Billy Joel's life. It was very interesting and insightful.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Wordy and read in third person

Can be very wordy at times. I didn’t enjoy this being read on the third person. Took me ages to get through.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

How boring it was

This is a story you could cover any musician/artist on how great they are and any problems belong to the other's in the story and politicians. Billy loves the pedo ring democrats so much he must be one of them.

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