A Conversation with Billy Joel on His Music and Life
Bill Maher recently brought his popular podcast, Club Random, to Boca Raton, Florida, where he had the opportunity to sit down with one of the most iconic musicians in history, Billy Joel. The 76-year-old pianist and singer, known for hits like “Vienna” and “Uptown Girl,” has been making headlines lately due to a recent health diagnosis.
A few months ago, Joel shared on his Instagram that he was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder that led him to cancel several concert performances. He also missed the premiere of his HBO documentary, And So It Goes, at the June Tribeca Festival. However, this past week, Joel welcomed Maher into his home for an intimate interview, which took place by his grand piano.
During the conversation, Joel reflected on some of his most famous songs. He discussed the stories behind “Just the Way You Are,” “Uptown Girl,” and “She’s Always a Woman.” Each of these tracks has become a staple in his extensive catalog, resonating with fans around the world.
One of the highlights of the interview was Joel’s discussion about his 1977 hit, “Only the Good Die Young.” The song tells the story of a young Catholic woman and her perspective on virginity and temptation in the presence of a lustful young man. Joel admitted that he has always enjoyed challenging societal norms through his music. “I’m tipping over sacred cows all my life. I like to do that,” he said, sitting by his piano. “There is a code within the music itself that has nothing to do with the words, that takes you to this place, if it’s done right.”
This conversation naturally led to a discussion about Joel’s deep appreciation for classical music. “What I love about classical music is its purity. It’s just music!” he said. “It can take me away somewhere else, completely. I get stoned from it!” Joel added, expressing how deeply he is moved by the beauty of classical compositions. “I literally get carried away listening to beautiful music.”
The rest of the Club Random podcast episode featuring Billy Joel will be released on Monday. Fans can look forward to hearing the full interview on YouTube, Amazon Music, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. In addition, the first part of Joel’s documentary, And So It Goes, is already available on HBO Max. Part two of the documentary will be released next Friday, July 25, giving audiences more insight into the life and career of one of music’s most enduring legends.
Joel’s candid reflections during the interview offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a musician who has shaped generations of music lovers. His ability to blend storytelling with melody continues to captivate fans, proving that his influence on the music world is far from over.