In this 1977 interview, Billy Joel dissects a different artist’s piano playing.
He starts off by saying that when he was a teenager, he had interest in becoming a rock star and that now at 27 years of age, he just wants to be a good musician.
When the interviewer asks him, “ But now, what does Billy Joel want to put out to an audience when he goes onstage?”
He responds by saying, “I tell you the truth, I don’t really know.” He goes on to explain that when he’s onstage, he’ll do things that he won’t remember once gets offstage because he’s focused on performing.
He brings up Neil Young, Elton John, and Leon Russell, and uses this interview to show that not all pianists are the same.
Joel explains that Elton John broke the piano pop barrier, and that once Elton John became a definitive rock piano artist, everyone who came after him was then compared to him.
Throughout the interview, Billy Joel gives direct examples of each of their playing; differentiating Neil Young’s simple but fresh style to Elton John’s rhythmic playing, and then later to Leon Russell’s gospel flair.
Billy Joel later describes his style as five-fingered with movement.
It’s wonderful to watch Billy Joel in this seemingly fluid and organic interview. Please SHARE this vintage interview with your fellow music lovers!
