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Head shot of Billy Joel playing the piano superimposed on a close-up photo of a piano keyboard

Billy Joel

The great composer, George Gershwin, has been a personal inspiration to me throughout my career. And the Library’s decision to include me among those songwriters who have been past recipients is a milestone for me.
—Billy Joel

Billy Joel ranks as one of the most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in the world. His piano-fueled narratives take listeners into the relatable and deeply personal moments of life, mirroring his own goal of writing songs that “meant something during the time in which I lived … and transcended that time.” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” “The Entertainer,” “Piano Man,” “Big Shot,” “New York State of Mind,” “You May Be Right,” “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “Allentown,” “Uptown Girl” and “The Downeaster ‘Alexa'” are among the many classics in his rich and deep catalog of songs that have been personal touchstones for millions of people. Joel's multiple GRAMMY wins include Song of the Year (“Just the Way You Are”), Record of the Year (“Just the Way You Are”), Album of the Year (“52nd Street”), and back-to-back wins for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male for two of his 13 multi-platinum albums, “52nd Street” and “Glass Houses”, plus the prestigious Grammy Legend Award.

2014 Gershwin Billy Joel Videos

Image gallery

Marjorie Billington, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington, Honoree Billy Joel and Buffy Cafritz pose for a photo in the Librarian's Ceremonial Office at the Library of Congress Billy Joel and Josh Groban pose for a photo in the Librarian's ceremonial office at the Library of Congress The 1973 copyright deposit for Billy Joel's signature song Piano Man” Billy Joel with Chief of Rare Book & Special Collections Mark Dimunation views items from the Library's collections. Billy Joel views items from the Library's collections. Billy Joel visits the Gershwin Room and plays the piano owned by George Gershwin as Librarian of Congress James H. Billington looks on. Billy Joel visits the Library's Gershwin Room. Billy Joel visits the Gershwin Room and plays the piano owned by George Gershwin. 3 of 3 Close up shot of Billy Joel at the Gershwin Prize reception Billy Joel visits the Main Reading Room. 1 of 2 Billy Joel visits the Main Reading Room. 2 of 2 Billy Joel signs the Librarian's guest book. 1 of 2 Billy Joel signature in the Librarian's guest book. Congressman Gregg Harper presents a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Billy Joel, with Michael Feinstein to the right. Billy Joel at a podium addressing attendees of the Gershwin Prize reception Billy Joel, Concert night at Constitution Hall Concert finale with Boyz II Men, Josh Groban, Gavin DeGraw, Tony Bennett, Billy Joel, Kevin Spacey and Natalie Maines. 1 of 2 Concert finale with Boyz II Men, Billy Joel, Josh Groban, Gavin DeGraw and Tony Bennett. 2 of 2 Librarian of Congress James Billington, Billy Joel and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor in the Honoree's box in Constitution Hall Opening number from the Broadway musical “Movin' Out,” with music by Billy Joel and choreography by Twyla Tharp Librarian of Congress James Billington and Honoree Billy Joel Honoree Billy Joel accepts the Gershwin Prize with Librarian of Congress James Billington, Members of Congress and Justice Sotomayor presiding. The band sax players take center stage with Billy Joel. Billy Joel seated at the piano Audience and stage, Constitution Hall