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.

I love Billy Joel music. Billy's music has gotten me through many difficult times in my life. His music more than any other is the soundtrack of my life. Watching this documentary helped me understand the music and deepen my appreciation for the genius of Billy Joel. I've always appreciated the brilliant lyrics, geniusly accessible melodies and songs that touch the heart but now I get it at a whole new level. I wish I had his ability to take a feeling or emotion and put words to them that make the world experience it with you.

The documentary is an exploration of Billy's life through his music, or his music through his life. The interviews are great, the stories enlightening and they feel real and authentic. We knew Billy was special but this documentary makes you realize his humanity and how that got channeled through his music to become the soundtrack that made a difference to so many people. Thanks Billy!!

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.

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.

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.