Joel, Billy

Joel, Billy (9 May 1949–) Joel’s refined sense of songcraft places him squarely within the classic Tin Pan Alley mold; as a result, some pop journalists have questioned the legitimacy of his rock-styled compositions. In point of fact, he has always been more an interpreter of past traditions— his eclectic reach has encompassed light classical pastiches, boogie-woogie, doo-wop, soul, protest rock, punk, and a sometimes unwieldy blend of singer/songwriter intimacy and cabaret flash—than a musical…