Billy Joel is an American pianist and songwriter who emerged as a major force in popular music during the 1970s and beyond. Known for his distinctive piano-driven compositions, Joel built a prolific career spanning rock, pop, and classical genres, releasing 12 studio albums between 1971 and 1993. His technical proficiency at the piano and knack for crafting memorable melodies established him as one of the era's most commercially successful recording artists, with his 1985 compilation *Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II* becoming one of the best-selling albums in U.S. history.
While primarily rooted in rock and pop traditions rather than electronic music, Joel's sophisticated keyboard work and compositional approach have influenced musicians across multiple genres. His catalog has accumulated over 160 million records sold worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of the best-selling solo artists in music history.
