Billy Joel, born on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York, is an American singer-songwriter and pianist primarily known for his contributions to the pop and rock genres. His music often blends elements of classical, jazz, and pop, showcasing his versatile songwriting and piano skills. Joel gained fame in the 1970s with a string of hit albums, including "Piano Man" (1973), which features his signature song of the same name, and "The Stranger" (1977), which spawned classics like "Just the Way You Are" and "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." His 1983 album, "An Innocent Man," celebrated the sounds of the 1950s and 1960s, yielding hits like "Uptown Girl" and "Tell Her About It." With over 150 million records sold worldwide, Joel is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. Joel’s storytelling and emotional depth in songwriting have left a lasting impact on popular music, influencing countless artists across genres and earning him a devoted fan base.