Billy Joel: And So It Goes

Billy Joel music was the main soundtrack to my glory days living close by in NJ. We are similar ages and going through similar experiences, including depression at times. His music and lyrics are genius. The legacy he will leave behind is massive. Do any colleges study Billy Joel or is that a newer thing for pop stars ? I was lucky enough to see him once in Philadelphia and Christie Brinkley came out on stage (The Uptown Girl tour). The documentary was very informative as I didn't know all the details of his early years and first marriage. And also his childhood and very difficult relationship (non-relationship) with his father. These in-depth bio shows, like the Pee Wee Herman bio, are excellent and I hope HBO will continue to make more. It is bittersweet to think Billy is 76 and he and Elton John are beginning to slow down and have various health problems. I want to thank him and hope he has found happiness at last.

It's nice to see Elizabeth Weber getting the credit she deserves for playing such a large part in Billy's success, from inspiring the songs to managing his career, and getting the record company to see the value of his music. How could they hear "Just The Way You Are" and not hear a hit song? Unbelievable.

Thank you Billy, for your talent, hard work, and great music, and thank you Elizabeth, for helping make it all happen.

I saw Billy open for Loggins & Messina in the 70s, and I heard him say that he was not going to be an opening act anymore after this. "Who is this guy?" we were all wondering. He then brought down the house, and we all went out and bought Piano Man and became fans. And we no longer wondered who he was. It was Billy Joel, that's who!

Based on Part One, I'm looking forward to Part Two.

I felt the editing in this episode is close to perfection. An almost intuitive sense of pace and timing. It's as musical as the music of Billy Joel.

I wasn't aware of the depths of Billy's early adulthood difficulties, and the enduring extent to which they serve as both carrot and stick. But I wonder if it could be any other way for an artist of his calibre, especially at the point in time when "The Stranger," "52nd Street" and "Glass Houses" rocketed him to international currency.

Nice idea to close the credits with "Zanzibar." Listening to Freddie Hubbard absolutely crushing it still gives me the shivers.

This whole documentary was brilliantly done. Despite the negative reviews, this is not a puff piece and isn't always flattering. He and Christie are still close friends, but she doesn't just flatter him. Katie was married to him in a more difficult time and she clearly addresses those issues. We know many of the stories but the detail was amazing and taught us much more. Ignore the low reviews -- I can guarantee they were from people who were offended he called out their "hero". The man has been making music and selling out stadiums for more than 50 years. People obviously enjoy what he has to share.

I've been a fan of his music for more than 50 years, been lucky enough to see him in concert four times (all great shows!), but I really didn't know much about the man behind the music beyond what you read in the news.

That's why this documentary was so interesting. Yes, we had a lot of the music, but his life behind the scenes has had so many twists and turns. So many key people in his life and career, so much heartache and also so much happiness and satisfaction.

I recommend spending the time to watch this great show.