Billy Joel The Biography

Billy Joel ranks among rock 'n' roll's most talented artists. Sophisticated and diverse, he is recognized throughout the world for his trademark style and hit songs, as well as for steadfastly maintaining his artistic integrity. This moving biography, from bestselling biographer Mark Bego, is the first in-depth portrait of the icon. Billy Joel: The Biography chronicles his childhood in the Bronx as the son of German Jews who had fied the Nazi regime in the 1930s, as well as his early professional struggles. And from there Bego follows his rapid ascent--including his chart-topping albums, his six Grammy Awards, his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of fame in 1999, and even a Tony Award for his work in Twyla Tharp's dance theater piece, Movin' Out. But Billy Joel is also widely recognized for his tumultuous personal life. His substance abuse problems--and recurring trips to and from rehab--have made headlines around the country. His very public marriage to Christie Brinkley ended in a heartbreaking divorce. And in recent years he has been involved in a string of unfortunate single-vehicle automobile accidents. But Joel's is a model of perseverance--2006 marked a series of twelve sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden. Billy Joel: The Biography is a close, yet heartfelt portrait of the larger-than-life figure, featuring interviews with his band-mates and representatives of Columbia Records, an extensive examination of Joel's diverse musical milieu, and never-before-seen photographs and documents. This is the definitive biography the man--the story of an unforgettable artist and his determination to succeed.Bego, Mark is the author of 'Billy Joel The Biography', published 2007 under ISBN 9781560259893 and ISBN 1560259892.