Billy Joel
Billy’s father was a classical pianist. At his mother’s insistence, Billy began taking classical piano lessons at an early age, including from noted American pianist Morton Estrin, who had recorded many classical tracks by composers including Brahms, Rachmaninoff, and Scriabin.
Joel was an amateur boxer who fought in the New York area in the Golden Globes. He won 22 bouts, but quit boxing after having his nose broken.
Billy had a life-changing experience after seeing the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, when he decided he was going to pursue a career in music.
Billy has often underplayed his keyboard skills, and sometimes portrayed himself as just an average pianist. In truth, he is a monster player steeped in years of classical lessons. Watch this little ditty for an example of Billy in action.