Research Catalog

Title

The words and music of Billy Joel / Ken Bielen.

Author

Bielen, Kenneth G.

Publication

Santa Barbara, Calif. : Praeger, c2011.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

xiv, 187 p.; 25 cm.

Summary

"Billy Joel began making records at the age of 15. Since then, his recordings have sold over 100 million copies, despite poor critical review. Many of them have become standards routinely covered by other artists. What is it about the music of this talented singer/songwriter that has enabled him to remain so popular for so long? Billy Joel skyrocketed to popularity in 1977 with his fifth album, The Stranger, and he has been a major American artist ever since. His songs are timeless and appreciated by generations of fans. The Words and Music of Billy Joel examines this influential musician's songs in detail, exploring the meaning of the lyrics and placing Joel's artistry in a regional and cultural context. Covering work that ranges from Joel's recordings with the Lost Souls to his classical compositions, the book focuses on the dozen studio albums of popular music released between 1971 and 1993. A bibliographic essay is included, as are both a discography and a filmography. There is also a special focus on the interpretation of Joel's songs by other recording artists."--Publisher.

Series Statement

Praeger singer-songwriter collection

Uniform Title

Praeger singer-songwriter collection.

Subjects

• Rock musicians > United States > Biography
• Singers > United States > Biography
• Joel, Billy

Genre/Form

Biographies

Bibliography (note)

• Includes discography (p. [143]-161), bibliographical references (p. [167]-180), and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

Introduction -- The legend of Billy Joel -- Early years -- Going solo -- Recognition -- Following the muse -- Maturity -- Live audio and video -- Documentaries and music video collections -- Cover versions of Billy Joel Songs -- Conclusion.

ISBN

• 9780313380167 (hard copy : alk. paper)
• 0313380163 (hard copy : alk. paper)
• 9780313380174 (ebook)
• 0313380171 (ebook)

LCCN

^^2011013499

OCLC

• 696099309
• SCSB-10397023

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library