Billy Joel Biography: William Martin Joel, born on May 9, 1949, is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, widely known by the nickname “Piano Man” after his iconic 1973 hit. Since launching his solo career in the 1970s, Joel has become one of the most successful music artists in the world, selling over 160 million records globally. He released 12 studio albums between 1971 and 1993, primarily in the pop and rock genres, and a classical album in 2001. In the United States, he ranks as the fourth-best-selling solo artist, and his 1985 compilation Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II is among the country’s top-selling albums. Joel was born in the Bronx, New York City, and raised in Hicksville on Long Island, where he began piano lessons at his mother’s urging.
Billy Joel Biography
Billy Joel was born on May 9, 1949, in the Bronx, New York. Known by his nickname “Billy,” he has built a remarkable career in music, earning a fortune of $250 million through projects like Fantasies & Delusions and appearances on The Howard Stern Show. He is currently married to Alexis Roderick. A Taurus by zodiac sign, Joel turned 75 in 2024. As of 2025, the celebrated musician and son of Howard Joel and his late mother (name not publicly known) remains a prominent figure. Though his exact salary is undisclosed, his net worth is estimated to be around $250 million.
Billy Joel Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
William Martin Joel
May 9, 1949 The Bronx, New York State, U.S.
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| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1965–present |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 3, including Alexa Ray |
| Relatives |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Billy Joel
William Martin Joel is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Nicknamed the “Piano Man” after his signature 1973 song of the same name, Joel has had a successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s.
- Born: 9 May 1949 (age 76 years), The Bronx, New York, United States
- Spouse: Alexis Roderick (m. 2015), Katie Lee (m. 2004–2009) ·
- Children: Alexa Ray Joel
- Music groups: The Hassles, The Lords of 52nd Street, Attila
- Height: 1.66 m
Early Life, Family, and Education
Billy Joel was born on May 9, 1949, in the Bronx, New York. When he was one year old, his family relocated to Hicksville, a neighborhood in the town of Oyster Bay on Long Island. He was raised there along with his cousin Judy—who had been adopted by his parents—in a community of Levitt-built homes. His mother, Rosalind (1922–2014), was born in Brooklyn to Jewish immigrants, Philip and Rebecca Nyman, who had come from England.
His father, Howard Joel (originally Helmut Joel, 1923–2011), was a German-born Jewish businessman and a skilled amateur classical pianist. Howard was born in Nuremberg to Karl Amson Joel, a successful textile entrepreneur. To escape Nazi persecution, the family fled Germany for Switzerland, eventually immigrating to the United States via Cuba due to restrictive immigration quotas for German Jews. In America, Howard became an engineer but maintained a lifelong passion for music.
Billy Joel Facts
Where does Billy Joel live? And how much money does Billy Joel earn?
| Birth Date | 9-5-1949 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-American |
| Religion – believes in God? | Jewish |
| Residence | He lives together in a house in Los Angeles, California. |
Billy Joel Net Worth, Salary, Cars & Houses
| Estimated Net Worth | 250 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Colleagues | Bruce Springsteen & Billie Joe Armstrong |
Houses
- Photo: house/residence of cool friendly fun 180 million earning Los Angeles, California-resident
Billy Joel: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Married (Since 2009) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Wife of Billy Joel | Alexis Roderick |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Christie Lee Hudson Deborah Dampiere, Alex Donnelley, Katie Lee, Dina Meyer, Elizabeth Webber |
| More info | Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? | No |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool friendly fun musician originating from The Bronx, New York has a thin body & round face type.
| Hair color | Grey |
| Hair type | Straight |
| Hair Length | short hair |
| Hairstyle | alternative |
| Distinct feature | hair color |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type VI: Black brown skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Beard or Mustache | Beard, Moustache, |
| Eye Color | Light Blue |
| Height | 166 cm |
| Weight | 75 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Billy Joel smoke? | Yes, regularly |
| Does Billy Joel have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What is Billy Joel best known for?
Billy Joel is best known for his successful career as a singer, songwriter, and pianist, especially for his signature hit “Piano Man,” which earned him the nickname and became a defining song of the 1970s.
Who is Billy Joel married to now?
Billy Joel is currently married to Alexis Roderick. The couple tied the knot in 2015 and have children together.
How did Billy Joel make his fortune?
Billy Joel built his $180 million fortune through a combination of album sales, live performances, royalties, and music-related projects, including his classical album Fantasies & Delusions and media appearances like The Howard Stern Show.
What is Billy Joel’s zodiac sign?
Billy Joel’s zodiac sign is Taurus, as he was born on May 9.
Does Billy Joel still perform live?
Yes, Billy Joel continues to perform live, including regular concert residencies at venues like Madison Square Garden, where he has maintained a longstanding monthly performance schedule.
How many children does Billy Joel have?
Billy Joel has three daughters: Alexa Ray Joel from his marriage to Christie Brinkley, and two younger daughters, Della Rose and Remy Anne, with his current wife Alexis Roderick.