Billy Joel Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, and Wives

Billy Joel is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist known for decades of major hit records and arena tours. He was born on May 9, 1949, in the Bronx, New York City, and later grew up on Long Island. He is widely recognized for his long run of chart success in the 1970s and 1980s.

Joel has also been one of the most consistent live performers in modern music. In recent years, he has remained in the spotlight through touring news, family life, and health updates.

Quick Facts Table

Who Is Billy Joel?

Billy Joel is a Grammy-winning musician who became one of the biggest pop and rock artists of his era. He is known for writing songs that blend pop, rock, and piano-driven melodies. His music has remained popular across multiple generations. His live performances have also been a major part of his public career.

He is often associated with New York, Long Island, and Madison Square Garden. His catalog includes many radio staples and long-running fan favorites. He is also known for maintaining a high public profile while keeping many parts of his personal life private.

Billy Joel Age and Birthday

Billy Joel was born on May 9, 1949. His age is 76 as of January 2026. He has been active in music for more than five decades. His career began before his biggest commercial success in the 1970s.

His birthday has often been marked by fan tributes and media coverage due to his lasting fame. He has remained a widely recognized public figure across the U.S. and internationally. His age has not slowed public interest in his touring and personal life.

Billy Joel Height and Physical Appearance

Billy Joel’s exact height has not been consistently confirmed in a single official record. Many widely cited references list him at about 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m). Public appearances and stage photos show him as shorter than some of his peers. He is best known visually for his piano performances rather than a specific style image.

He has typically kept a classic stage look, often appearing in dark suits or simple performance outfits. Over time, his appearance has naturally changed with age. His public image has remained focused on music rather than fashion branding.

Where Billy Joel Is From

Billy Joel was born in the Bronx in New York City. He later grew up on Long Island, which is closely tied to his public identity. Long Island locations have been referenced in his work and career history. His connection to New York has remained consistent throughout his life.

He has often been described as a New York artist due to his long association with the region. Many of his most famous performances have taken place in New York venues. His relationship with the city has been a major part of his public narrative.

Billy Joel Family Background

Billy Joel’s parents are Rosalind Nyman and Howard (Helmut) Joel. His family background includes European roots, and his father’s history is often mentioned in biographical profiles. His early home life has been described as shaped by family changes. These details are commonly included in established biographies.

His upbringing on Long Island is frequently noted in career summaries. He began studying piano at a young age. His early musical training helped shape the skills that later defined his sound. He became known as a pianist as much as a singer.

Billy Joel’s Early Life and Education

Billy Joel took piano lessons as a child and developed strong technical skills early. He was involved in music while still young and later moved into band work. His early years included local performances before national success. He spent time in the Long Island music scene during his development.

Formal education details are not always listed in depth in mainstream profiles. His early focus became music performance and songwriting. By his late teens and early adulthood, he was working seriously in music. His early path reflected a direct shift toward professional work rather than a traditional academic track.

Billy Joel Career Beginnings

Billy Joel began his music career in bands before becoming a solo artist. Early projects helped him build performance experience and industry connections. His transition into solo work marked a major step in his public career. He later signed with Columbia Records, which supported his rise to mainstream success.

Billy Joel’s early solo years included work that gained attention and established him as a serious songwriter. His piano-centered sound became a signature. His stage presence also helped him stand out from other artists. These elements became central to his later popularity.

Billy Joel: Breakthrough and Rise to Fame

Billy Joel’s commercial breakthrough came during the 1970s. He became widely known for songs that reached large audiences and remained popular for decades. His image as a piano-driven hitmaker became part of his public identity. He was often associated with major radio success during this period.

As his popularity grew, he became a consistent chart performer. His work reached both pop and adult audiences. His songwriting style made him accessible across different listener groups. This broad appeal supported long-term career stability.

Billy Joel Music Style and Songwriting

Billy Joel’s music is often described as pop-rock with strong piano composition. His songwriting is known for clear melodies and structured hooks. He has been recognized for writing both upbeat songs and slower ballads. His voice and piano playing are central to his sound.

His songs have often included themes of relationships, work, and everyday life. He has been praised for writing in a direct style. His catalog includes both high-energy tracks and softer performances. This range has supported his long-lasting popularity.

Billy Joel’s Biggest Songs

Billy Joel has a long list of songs that became major hits and fan favorites. Some of his best-known titles include “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Just the Way You Are.” Many of his songs remain in rotation on the radio and streaming playlists. His music is also frequently used in film, TV, and live event playlists.

His songs have been performed widely by other musicians. They are often included in classic pop and rock collections. Several tracks became defining hits of their era. His best-known songs are also closely linked to his live setlists.

Billy Joel Albums and Discography Highlights

Billy Joel released multiple successful studio albums during his peak commercial years. These records helped establish him as one of the biggest artists of his generation. His albums have continued to sell well over time. His catalog is also widely available through modern streaming platforms.

He later stepped away from releasing new pop studio albums for long periods. His focus shifted more toward live performances and legacy work. Even without frequent new studio releases, his existing catalog remained highly profitable. This has been common for legacy artists with long-standing hit collections.

Awards and Achievements

Billy Joel has received major music industry recognition, including Grammy Awards. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. These honors reflect both commercial success and songwriting influence. His career has been widely recognized by major institutions.

He has also received lifetime-style recognition through music industry awards. His public reputation includes both sales success and performance longevity. These achievements have been documented in official and major media sources. They remain central to how his career is described.

Billy Joel Record Sales and Global Popularity

Billy Joel is widely credited with selling over 150 million records worldwide. This places him among the most commercially successful recording artists in history. His popularity has remained strong across decades. His catalog continues to attract new listeners.

Billy Joel’s music has been successful in multiple formats, including vinyl, CDs, digital downloads, and streaming. Many of his albums have achieved multi-platinum status. His greatest hits collections have been especially popular. His long-term sales reflect the lasting demand for his work.

Billy Joel Live Performances and Touring

Billy Joel has been known for touring and live performances for much of his career. His concerts have drawn large crowds across the U.S. and internationally. He has been viewed as a strong live performer due to his musicianship and song catalog. His live work became a major part of his public identity.

He has also performed at major venues and large events. His touring history includes long runs of sold-out shows. Fans often attend concerts across multiple years. This consistent demand has helped support his earnings over time.

Madison Square Garden Residency

Billy Joel’s Madison Square Garden residency became one of the most recognized live music runs in modern concert history. He performed regular shows at MSG over an extended period. The residency helped confirm his long-term draw as a live artist. It also strengthened his association with New York.

His MSG performances were widely covered in music and entertainment media. The residency became a key part of his late-career public image. It was treated as a major achievement in live performance history. His MSG run is often referenced alongside his biggest career milestones.

Billy Joel Health Updates

Billy Joel’s health has been discussed publicly in recent years due to touring changes. In 2025, major news outlets reported that he canceled upcoming concert dates after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Reports stated that he was advised to pause performing while receiving treatment and therapy. This update became a major topic in entertainment news.

Public statements about his health have focused on the impact on touring. Health-related updates have typically been handled through official announcements and major press reporting. Fans have followed these updates closely due to his long-running concert history. His team’s messaging has remained centered on medical advice and recovery support.

Billy Joel Net Worth and Earnings

Exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed, but estimates place it at around $220 million to $250 million. This figure is commonly linked to his record sales, touring income, publishing royalties, and long-term catalog value. Billy Joel’s career earnings also reflect decades of sold-out shows. His position as a legacy artist supports continued income through licensing and streaming.

His catalog includes many songs that remain heavily played. Royalties from radio, streaming, and licensing can be significant for artists with long-term hit catalogs. Touring has also historically been a major income source. High-profile residencies and arena shows typically generate strong revenue.

How Billy Joel Makes Money Today

Billy Joel’s income sources have included music royalties and live performance revenue. He has also benefited from long-term catalog performance in modern streaming markets. Licensing is another common revenue source for artists with classic hits. These earnings often continue even when new music is not being released.

He has also been associated with business interests linked to personal hobbies. Some profiles note his involvement with a yacht-building business. This type of venture is not unusual for high-profile musicians with long careers. His overall earnings profile is tied most strongly to music.

Billy Joel’s Wives and Marriages

Billy Joel has been married four times. His marriages have been widely covered due to his fame and the public profile of some partners. His relationship history is commonly included in entertainment biographies. These relationships span multiple decades of his career.

His marriages include partners from different professional backgrounds. Some relationships overlapped with major career eras. Public attention often increased during high-profile marriages. His family life has continued to be a regular topic in media coverage.

Billy Joel’s First Wife: Elizabeth Weber

Billy Joel married Elizabeth Weber in 1973. The marriage ended in divorce in 1982. Weber has often been described as an early important figure in his life during his rise. Their relationship is frequently referenced in early-career biographies.

This marriage took place during a key growth period in his career. The years overlapped with his increasing mainstream success. Their relationship remains part of his personal timeline. It is typically covered in standard biographical summaries.

Billy Joel’s Second Wife: Christie Brinkley

Billy Joel married model Christie Brinkley in 1985. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1994. They share one daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, born in 1985. The relationship was widely covered by the press during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Brinkley’s public profile made the marriage highly visible. Their family life was frequently mentioned in entertainment coverage. Their daughter later became known publicly as well. The marriage remains one of his most widely recognized relationships.

Billy Joel’s Third Wife: Katie Lee

Billy Joel married Katie Lee in 2004. The couple later separated and divorced in 2009. Their relationship drew attention due to the age difference and Joel’s high profile. It was widely reported in entertainment media at the time.

Katie Lee later became known as a television personality and author. Their marriage is often listed as a major part of his relationship history. The divorce was part of his public timeline in the late 2000s. It remains a commonly referenced period in his personal life.

Billy Joel’s Fourth Wife: Alexis Roderick

Billy Joel married Alexis Roderick in July 2015. Roderick has been described as a former Morgan Stanley executive and equestrian. Their marriage has been covered more quietly compared with earlier relationships. They have two daughters together.

Their children are Della Rose, born in 2015, and Remy Anne, born in 2017. Joel has continued to appear publicly with his wife and family at events. The marriage has remained ongoing into 2026. Their family life is often mentioned in recent profiles.

Billy Joel Children

Billy Joel has three children. His first child is Alexa Ray Joel, his daughter with Christie Brinkley. Alexa Ray has had public attention through music and media coverage. She is the most publicly known of his children due to her age and public presence.

He also has two younger daughters with Alexis Roderick. Their names are Della Rose Joel and Remy Anne Joel. Joel has occasionally spoken about being a father later in life through media coverage. Public appearances sometimes include family moments.

Billy Joel Relationship With His Daughter Alexa Ray Joel

Alexa Ray Joel was born in 1985. She has been publicly known for her family background and for her own music work. Her relationship with her parents has been discussed in interviews and entertainment coverage. She has also appeared with them at public events.

Her name is frequently included in biographies of Billy Joel. Alexa has been part of media coverage connected to Joel’s personal life. She remains a key part of his family story. She is often mentioned when discussing his marriages and children.

Billy Joel Life in Long Island and New York

Billy Joel’s public identity has remained strongly tied to New York. His connection to Long Island is often referenced in biographies. He has also been associated with properties and personal time spent in the region. His music and public appearances have reinforced that connection.

New York venues have been a major part of his performance history. Madison Square Garden has been central to his late-career live image. His New York ties are often treated as a defining part of his public brand. This connection remains consistent in coverage.

Billy Joel Public Image and Media Presence

Billy Joel has maintained a high public profile for decades. He has been covered regularly by music media, entertainment outlets, and major news organizations. His career has included both music reporting and personal-life coverage. He has remained relevant through touring and major announcements.

He has also been recognized for a relatively direct public persona. His media presence has been strongest during tours, major shows, and career anniversaries. He has not relied on constant social media activity for visibility. His reputation has remained centered on his music.

Billy Joel Social Media and Official Platforms

Billy Joel has official channels that share career updates and announcements. Official platforms have been used to confirm major news, such as tour schedules and major events. Fans often follow these channels for verified updates. This has been especially important during touring changes.

His online presence includes official websites and verified profiles. These sources often provide event information and public statements. They are used to avoid misinformation about his schedule. Verified channels remain the best source for confirmed updates.

Billy Joel’s Legacy in Music

Billy Joel’s legacy is built on hit songwriting, record sales, and long-term popularity. He has remained one of the most recognized American musicians of his era. His music continues to be played across many formats. His influence is reflected in awards and major hall of fame inductions.

Billy Joel’s catalog is widely considered part of classic American pop and rock. His songs remain common in live covers and tribute performances. His commercial success has lasted for decades. Billy long career has kept him in the public conversation.

Final Thoughts

Billy Joel was born on May 9, 1949, and is 76 years old as of 2026. He is widely listed at about 5 ft 5 in. He has been married four times and has three children. Exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed, but estimates place it around $220 million to $250 million. Recent news coverage has included touring changes connected to a reported 2025 health diagnosis.

FAQs

How old is Billy Joel in 2026?

Billy Joel is 76 years old in January 2026.

What is Billy Joel’s birthday?

His birthday is May 9, 1949.

How tall is Billy Joel?

Estimated height is about 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m).

Who is Billy Joel’s wife now?

Billy Joel’s current wife is Alexis Roderick. They married in 2015.

How many wives has Billy Joel had?

Billy Joel has had four wives: Elizabeth Weber, Christie Brinkley, Katie Lee, and Alexis Roderick.

How many kids does Billy Joel have?

He has three children: Alexa Ray Joel, Della Rose Joel, and Remy Anne Joel.

What is Billy Joel’s estimated net worth?

Exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed, but estimates place it at around $220 million to $250 million.

Why did Billy Joel cancel concerts in 2025?

Major news outlets reported he canceled dates after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and was advised to pause performing while receiving treatment.

What is Billy Joel most famous for?

He is most famous for hit songs, major albums, and long-running live performances, including a major Madison Square Garden residency.