Billy Joel: And So It Goes

Yes his music is great...but there is so much more to the story. We see/hear his take on his life and it certainly feels engaging and honest with the struggles and trials of life and music. Content wise it delves into the songs of his life, song by song, album by album...but more importantly it delivers him to us.

And Elizabeth and her story solidifies the product. She might be the backbone of Billy's career as well as his emotional center.

Putting this documentary together was a masterpiece that brings themes together from episodes in his life in a non-linear intertwined fashion. For me compelling and heartwarming embellished by many voices supportive of this truly great songwriter, arranger and singer. You can feel the love he has for many including his band and the love and admiration they have for him. And can not forget the genius of Clive Davis who brought Billy along with some of the greatest music the world will ever know to our ears and hearts.

I love Billy Joel music. Billy's music has gotten me through many difficult times in my life. His music more than any other is the soundtrack of my life. Watching this documentary helped me understand the music and deepen my appreciation for the genius of Billy Joel. I've always appreciated the brilliant lyrics, geniusly accessible melodies and songs that touch the heart but now I get it at a whole new level. I wish I had his ability to take a feeling or emotion and put words to them that make the world experience it with you.

The documentary is an exploration of Billy's life through his music, or his music through his life. The interviews are great, the stories enlightening and they feel real and authentic. We knew Billy was special but this documentary makes you realize his humanity and how that got channeled through his music to become the soundtrack that made a difference to so many people. Thanks Billy!!

As Episode 1 pf "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" (2025 release; 2 episodes of 147 min each) opens, Billy Joel starts narrating: "I've screwed up a lot and that's not a bad thing". We learn of his upbringing in Oyster Bay on Long Island, and how he was drawn to playing the piano. He joined several bands as a teenager, including the Hassles, where he becomes close friends with Jon Small... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this is co-directed by Susan Lacy ("The Janes") and Jessica Levin. They get the full cooperation of Billy Joel, who also produced this, and I'm sure had final approval on everything. The most interesting part of Episode 1 are the earliest years, before he became THE Billy Joel. It blows the mind that his first solo album "Cold Spring Harbor" was released in 1971, when he was only 21 years young, and that he wrote his signature song "Piano Man" when he was 22. All of it makes for pleasant viewing. Plenty of talking heads of course, including Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Brown, Paul McCartney, and many more. Billy Joel is quite open with some of his past struggles. What you will not see in this documentary is an independent assessment that is too critical of Billy Joel. All that aside, I've seen Billy in concert a number of times over the years. I had tickets for what was supposed to be his upcoming show in September at the Bengals stadium here in Cincinnati, but the entire tour was canceled due to health concerns. Get well soon, Billy!

Episode 1 premiered on HBO and HBO Max this past weekend. Episode 2 will air and stream next weekend. Whether you are a die-hard or a casual or even not a fan of Billy Joel, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

It's nice to see Elizabeth Weber getting the credit she deserves for playing such a large part in Billy's success, from inspiring the songs to managing his career, and getting the record company to see the value of his music. How could they hear "Just The Way You Are" and not hear a hit song? Unbelievable.

Thank you Billy, for your talent, hard work, and great music, and thank you Elizabeth, for helping make it all happen.

I saw Billy open for Loggins & Messina in the 70s, and I heard him say that he was not going to be an opening act anymore after this. "Who is this guy?" we were all wondering. He then brought down the house, and we all went out and bought Piano Man and became fans. And we no longer wondered who he was. It was Billy Joel, that's who!