109 Comments

Not bad for a lounge blizzard piano man who hit the big top. I live on Long Island where he is a local who is very generous and kind and supportive of those in need.

Expand full comment

Excellent, the way it should be.

Thanks for sharing.

Expand full comment

I grew up on Long Island and Billy Joel was , dare I say, almost overplayed. Every Deli or Store you walked into had either WBLI, or WALK and on occasion WBAB playing, so his music was on All the time. When someone asked if I wanted to go to his concert I actually laughed and said, "I listen to him all day, every day". I Love his music and each song evokes a memory, his unique style was and is refreshing and he always feels like home. Thanks for Sharing!!

Expand full comment

Greatness grows in all of us Long Islanders. Humility too.

Expand full comment

I remember the first time I heard Piano Man on the radio. I went out and bought the album -even though I didn't have anything to play it on at the time!

Expand full comment

The Piano Man has has come a long way and still has music to share/spare. Thank you, Dan, for the morning concert!

Expand full comment
founding

Good Sunday Morning Austin….

So honored and delighted that you chose Billy Joel and his homage to NYC for this Sunday’s “A Reason to Smile”. I sure hope you are right that this is not his victory lap and he comes back again for an encore or two. As you note, he has the pipes. His fingers still move and the look and aura emanating from him are as good as 35 years ago. I relate to Billy in many ways….nit only thru his music….also thru love of NY, politics, baseball fans, raised as secular Jews, and similar tastes in restaurants. You’ve got many good years ahead of you, Billy…let us hear from you. And so do you Dan. Let us hear from you too. We need your political acumen and journalistic know how now more than ever.

Love from 33rd Street and 7th Av.

Expand full comment

Thanks for sharing, you seem like a good soul.

In these turbulent times we need all good and positive people around.

The best quote of the day is from Andy Beshear, Governor of Ky in response to Trump calling Kamala a ‘ Bum’.

He should see himself in the mirror- 34 convictions and a few bankruptcies. And as far his guy “” JD” if he sees himself in the mirror- a man with no conviction.

Great. Lol

Expand full comment

I was surprised how great Billy Joel’s voice is. I had previously tried to listen to some older entertainers only to find their voices had changed. It was disappointing. However, Billy sounds the same to me. Great song. When I lived in New Jersey, we used to go to New York. I loved the way everything there seemed to entertain me; the people, the food, the shows, the lights, the sounds. This song reminds me of that. Sometimes I miss that exciting vibe. New York, New York, what a wonderful town!

Expand full comment

He’s still got a great voice and his piano playing is not too shabby either. And the guy on the Sax?-WOW!-so smooth. Wonderfully done. Thank you Dan Rather

Expand full comment

I went to two of his concerts and one with Elton. Sublime!

Expand full comment

The ones with Elton were amazing - two absolute legends and two of my favorite artists. I cried quite a few times. 😂

Expand full comment

Elton John was dancing on the piano! Unforgettable moment.

Expand full comment

We did, too! Loved those concerts!

Expand full comment

A living legend. Play on!

Expand full comment

Dan, as a native New Yorker I thank you for acknowledging Billy Joel who is one for the ages. Many of his concerts are on YouTube - including some performances in other countries - and it’s fascinating to see him age and that several of his musicians have been with him for decades.

Expand full comment

Used to drive into the city on the weekends to see my girl from Hartford, and Always listened to this on my way to get in the right frame of mind. Thanks Dan!

Expand full comment

Thank you, Dan, from a native Long Islander who has always been a fan of Billy Joel. He continues to entertain and also has managed to do a lot of good with his fame and fortune. He is in my opinion a National Treasure.

Expand full comment

Dan, thank you for continuing to find the beautiful things in our otherwise messed up and divided nation.

Expand full comment

Hear hear!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Expand full comment
founding

Thank you Dan for selecting Billy Joel this week. He is just the best, and any one of his songs would bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Expand full comment

I am a native New Yorker and remember when he came on the scene and blew us all away. His talent, generosity and voice have enlightened all of us. BTW you have great taste in music, Dan!!

Expand full comment

Thank you, Dan, for sharing Billy Joel--one of a kind, fantastic, and lots and lots of smiles! Cheers!

Expand full comment

Played this song endlessly in 1976. It was a soundtrack for what was happening in my life back then.

Billy Joel is a masterpiece.

As always, thank you, Mr Rather!

Expand full comment

I grew up if Fairfield county and spent a lot of time taking the train to Grand Central. This song is ageless. Thanks, Mr. Rather for giving us a way to start Sunday with a smile. Be well.

Expand full comment