Billy Joel: And So It Goes

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.

Yes his music is great...but there is so much more to the story. We see/hear his take on his life and it certainly feels engaging and honest with the struggles and trials of life and music. Content wise it delves into the songs of his life, song by song, album by album...but more importantly it delivers him to us.

And Elizabeth and her story solidifies the product. She might be the backbone of Billy's career as well as his emotional center.

Putting this documentary together was a masterpiece that brings themes together from episodes in his life in a non-linear intertwined fashion. For me compelling and heartwarming embellished by many voices supportive of this truly great songwriter, arranger and singer. You can feel the love he has for many including his band and the love and admiration they have for him. And can not forget the genius of Clive Davis who brought Billy along with some of the greatest music the world will ever know to our ears and hearts.

As others have stated, Part 1 was so well made thanks in large part to Billy's first wife. This of course had me really looking forward to Part 2 but after watching I feel let down. It's not just that there was no current health update on Billy it's more than that. I can't exactly put my finger on it. Maybe more insight into Billy's creative process in writing some of his most iconic songs and albums in the 80's would have been nice? Maybe more gritty details about his alcoholism as Part 2 seemed to only scratch the surface?

Overall, my recommendation to any Billy Joel fan would be to watch Part 1 of this new documentary and, instead of Part 2, watch Billy's oldie but goodie documentary on the concerts he performed in the former Soviet Union in 1987.

Such a thorough exploration of Billy Joel's life. I knew nothing about him other than being familiar with some of his hit songs. Never owned an album or anything. But learning all of this was so touching and completely captivating. I'm so grateful for whoever made this movie- they obviously put a lot of thought into making it feel complete, and bringing me on an emotional ride throughout this man's life. I don't know what else to say, but I really enjoyed it.

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.