Billy Joel: And So It Goes

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.

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!

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.

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.