Part 12/14:
Billy Joel’s story is often misunderstood or underestimated. Without the “cool” cachet of icons like Mick Jagger or Bono, his significance sometimes gets overlooked. Yet, his collaborations with fellow legends like Springsteen and Paul McCartney highlight the respect he commands among his peers. Springsteen calls him “a great storyteller,” emphasizing his craftsmanship and narrative depth.
His ex-wife Elizabeth’s perspective sheds light on his behind-the-scenes struggles—how she fought for his artistic integrity and how their relationship was intertwined with his creative legacy. Many of Billy’s most famous songs, including Just the Way You Are, were written about her, and their story underscores the intersection of personal pain and art.