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Choral Arrangements of
Billy Joel
Awards
1979 - Grammy Winner - Record of the Year
1979 - Grammy Winner - Song Of The Year
Joel recorded many popular hit songs and albums from 1973 (beginning with the single "Piano Man") to his retirement from recording pop music in 1993. He is one of the very few rock or even pop artists to have Top 10 hits in the '70s, '80s, and '90s. A six-time Grammy Award winner, he has sold in excess of 100 million records worldwide and is the sixth best selling artist in the United States, according to the RIAA. Joel's induction into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame (Class of 1992), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Class of 1999), and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame (Class of 2006) has further solidified his status as one of America's leading music icons. He has continued to tour occasionally (sometimes with Elton John) in addition to writing and recording classical music.
From an early age Joel had an intense interest in music; especially classical music. He began piano lessons at an early age, and his interest in music instead of sports was the source for much teasing and bullying in his early years. As a teenager, Joel took up boxing so that he would be able to defend himself. He boxed successfully on the amateur Golden Gloves circuit for a short time, but abandoned the sport shortly after having his nose broken in a boxing match.
Joel attended Hicksville High School, and was to have graduated in 1967. However, he was one English credit short of the graduation requirement; he overslept on the day of an important exam due to his late-night musician's lifestyle. Faced with a summer in school to complete this requirement, he decided not to continue. He left high school without a diploma to begin a career in music. In 1992, the English credit requirement was waived by the Hicksville School Board and he received his diploma at Hicksville High's graduation ceremony 25 years after he left the school.
At the age of 14 Joel joined his first band, The Echoes (which later became The Lost Souls). According to producer Shadow Morton, Joel was also the pianist on the Shangri-Las hit "Remember (Walking In The Sand)". In 1966, he joined The Hassles, a Long Island band that had some local success ("Every Step I Take," "You Got Me Hummin'"). The Hassles released two albums The Hassles (1967) and Hour of the Wolf (1968) on the United Artists record label. Following The Hassles' demise in 1969, he formed the pop rock duo Attila with Hassles drummer Jon Small. Attila released their eponymous debut album in July 1970 and disbanded the following October.
Joel's lyrics have made many references to locations in the New York City metropolitan area, particularly Long Island. For example, the "Miracle Mile" line in 1980's "It's Still Rock & Roll to Me" refers to the affluent shopping district located on Northern Boulevard in the community of Manhasset and 1980's "You May Be Right" references walking through the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn alone as proof of craziness. In his 1973 song "The Ballad of Billy the Kid," he describes a certain "Billy" as being from the town of Oyster Bay, the municipality in which the hamlet of Hicksville is located. He has since stated, in the liner notes from his album Songs in the Attic, that this "Billy" is not himself, but rather an Oyster Bay bartender.
Several of Joel's songs have grown out of specific personal experiences, including "Piano Man," which he wrote describing his regular job playing at a Los Angeles piano bar in the early 1970s, and "Scenes From An Italian Restaurant," purportedly written about either the Syosset mainstay Christiano's or a similar eatery in New York City's Little Italy. His song "Vienna" was supposedly written about a visit to his father in Europe, while "Big Shot" was based on a bad date with Mick Jagger's ex-wife Bianca.
His music reflects influences from many different genres including European classical composers, Aaron Copland, 1950s doo wop, Broadway/Tin Pan Alley, jazz, blues, punk, ska, gospel, pop, and even Russian folk songs, to straight-up rock & roll. This has, in part, led to his broad success over a long period of time, but made him difficult to categorize in popular music today.
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-11 of 11 items.
Billy Joel : A Cappella for Female Voices Contemporary a cappella arranger Deke Sharon does his magic on the classic Billy Joel song "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)". An absolute winner! Kirby Shaw's exquisite a cappella arrangement of this stunning Billy Joel pop ballad "The Longest Time" is available separately: men's and women's ensembles. Don't miss it! Billy Joel's pop hit from 1983 "And So It Goes" is a perennial favorite and evokes an even earlier time in America's pop history. Now available for mixed and SSA voicings, your groups will love to perform these well-crafted arrangements. Songlist: And So It Goes, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), The Longest Time 
Billy Joel : A Cappella for Mixed Voices Billy Joel is certainly one of the great American songwriters of the modern pop era and his works are often particularly suitable for an a cappella treatment. His iconic hit "Piano Man" from the 1970s will make a nice concert change of pace in this arrangement by Philip Lawson of King's Singers fame. Smooth vocal backup and great harmonies give "New York State of Mind" a special appeal. "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)"is one of the most poignant and beautiful songs of the '90s, now in an a cappella setting. This ballad is simply stunning. Kirby Shaw's exquisite a cappella arrangement of "And So It Goes" is stunning. Don't miss it! Billy's 1978 pop hit "Just The Way You Are" expresses a universal truth in a simple and beautiful way, and this a cappella setting will resonate with listeners at many concert occasions. This is a great collection and will have the audiences singing along.. Songlist: New York State of Mind, And So It Goes, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), Piano Man, Just The Way You Are
Billy Joel : A Cappella for Male Voices Billy Joel is surely one of the great songwriters of contemporary pop songs and many of his songs are particularily suited for a cappella singing. Kirby Shaw's exquisite a cappella arrangement of his pop ballad "And So It Goes" is stunning and Kirby also does a fantastic job with "Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel), one of the most poignant and beautiful songs of the '90s. "The Longest Time" is an excellent piece for featuring and recruiting men for your choral program. It is an authentic transcription of the original Billy Joel hit, and as such it will have automatic appeal with both singers and audiences. Songlist: The Longest Time, And So It Goes, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)
Billy Joel : It's Still Rock and Roll to Me This is the StudioTrax CD to accompany the octavo versions of this item. This was a 1980 hit for Billy Joel and written as a cynical look at the new music trends that were happening at the time. Considered a rock and roll classic, this arrangement keeps true to the original and will be a powerhouse performance by men's as well as mixed choirs.
Billy Joel : To Make You Feel My Love Bob Dylan's songs often tell a story, and in this case, the story is told in a deeply melodic and affecting manner. There's nothing that I wouldn't do will likely hit a personal nerve for many of your listeners who have a loved one of their own.
Mark Brymer : River of Dreams This chart-topping title track from Billy Joel's album pulses with energy and African-style gospel harmonies. Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, Instrumental Pak (Rhythm), ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:25.
Roger Emerson : Uptown Girl Showcase your guys with this super arrangement of the 1983 hit. Available: TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:30.
Mac Huff : She's Got a Way From the Billy Joel songbook, this well-crafted pop ballad from 1982 speaks directly to the soul. Ideal for both pop and concert groups, the effect will be stunning! Duration: co. 3:05. Available separately: TTB, ShowTrax CD. |
Displaying 1-26 of 26 items.
Billy Joel's hauntingly beautiful ballad in a simple accompanied setting for voices will create a magical moment in concert. Stunning!
Arranger: Audrey Snyder Performed By: Billy Joel
Kirby Shaw's exquisite a cappella arrangement of this stunning Billy Joel pop ballad is available for men's and women's ensembles. Don't miss it!
Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
An incredible closer for your concert is found in this Billy Joel tune, arranged masterfully by Gary Fry. The solid message of love and inspiration in Everybody Has a Dream, along with the gospel style elements, create a choral that is moving and powerful. The solos provide improvisational opportunities as well.
Arranger: Gary Fry | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Straignt from Broadway, this hot arrangement of the closing numbers from Movin' Out will leave your audience wanting more. Billy Joel at his finest! Includes: River of Dreams and Keepin' the Faith. Performance Time: Approx. 5:45.Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD and Instrumental Pak (includes parts for Trumpet 1 & 2, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Baritone, Sax, Synthesizer, Guitar, Bass and Drums)
Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel | Musical: Movin' Out
This was a 1980 hit for Billy Joel and written as a cynical look at the new music trends that were happening at the time. Considered a rock and roll classic, this arrangement keeps true to the original and will be a powerhouse performance by men's as well as mixed choirs.
Arranger: Paul Langford | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Billy Joel's pop hit from 1978 receives a fresh and contemporary treatment in this a cappella setting, with melodic lines seamlessly moving from part to part within a light vocal texture that will challenge your pop/jazz singers to perform at peak level! Duration: ca. 3:00.
Arranger: Paris Rutherford | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Billy Joel's 1978 pop hit expresses a universal truth in a simple and beautiful way, and this a cappella setting will resonate with listeners at many concert occasions.
Arranger: Alan Billingsley | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Contemporary a cappella arranger Deke Sharon does his magic on this classic Billy Joel song. Absolute winner!
Arranger: Deke Sharon | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
The treasured Billy Joel lullaby is exquisite in its simplicity. A beautiful and expressive choice for younger singers! Available separately: SSA and VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 3:45
Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
A musical stand-out on Billy Joel's hit album River of Dreams, this heart-felt ballad is exquisite in its simplicity. Stunning! Available: SATB, SAB, SSA. Performance Time: Approx. 3:30.
Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
One of the most poignant and beautiful songs of the '90s, now in an a cappella setting. This Billy Joel ballad is simply stunning.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
The King's Singers exquisite arrangement is now available in a TTBB edition, the sweet and simple lullaby by Billy Joel on his River of Dreams album is stunning. Available separately: SATTBB, TTBB. Duration: ca. 3:30.
Arranger: Philip Lawson | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Few listeners will be left unmoved by this powerful Billy Joel ballad. This arrangement by Steve Zegree is a great feature for vocal jazz groups, pop and concert choirs.
Arranger: Steve Zegree | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Smooth vocal backup and great harmonies give this Billy Joel song special appeal.
Arranger: Mark Brymer | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Billy Joel's iconic hit from the 1970s will make a nice concert change of pace in this a cappella setting by Philip Lawson of King's Singers fame.
Arranger: Philip Lawson | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
This chart-topping title track from Billy Joel's album pulses with energy and African-style gospel harmonies. Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, Instrumental Pak (Rhythm), ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:25.
Arranger: Mark Brymer | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
From the Billy Joel songbook, this well-crafted pop ballad from 1982 speaks directly to the soul. Ideal for both pop and concert groups, the effect will be stunning! Duration: co. 3:05. Available separately: TTB, ShowTrax CD.
Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Billy Joel had no shortage of hits, as his songwriting prowess showed equal attention to music and lyrics. This 1983 #1 Hit hearkens back to Motown and soul, with an accessible arrangement and horn section to boot!
Arranger: Jack Zaino | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
This is an excellent piece for featuring and recruiting men for your choral program. It is an authentic transcription of the original Billy Joel hit, and as such it will have automatic appeal with both singers and audiences.
Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
This Billy Joel hit from 1983 is still a favorite with audiences and singers. This Barbershop arrangement will be the hit of your show!Available separately: TTBB a cappella and VoiceTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.
Arranger: Tom Gentry | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
This Billy Joel hit from 1983 is still a favorite with audiences and singers. This Barbershop arrangement will be the hit of your show!
Arranger: Tom Gentry | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Billy Joel's pop hit from 1983 is a perennial favorite and evokes an even earlier time in America's pop history. Now available for mixed and SSA voicings, your groups will love to perform these well-crafted arrangements. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
This classic Billy Joel song was his greatest hit in the 1990s. The song borrows from gospel and spiritual music traditions while touching on issues of inner peace and the afterlife. The upbeat shuffle and lively accompaniment make this piece a lasting treasure!
Arranger: Billy Joel | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Bob Dylan's songs often tell a story, and in this case, the story is told in a deeply melodic and affecting manner. There's nothing that I wouldn't do will likely hit a personal nerve for many of your listeners who have a loved one of their own.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Bob Dylan Performed By: Billy Joel
Billy Joel fans have waited for the longest time for a new song from their favorite piano man! With this power ballad, the wait is over. Wonderfully set for vocal groups, your singers can be a part of the magic!
Arranger: Mac Huff Performed By: Billy Joel
Showcase your guys with this super arrangement of the 1983 hit. Available: TTBB, ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:30.
Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel
Billy Joel Solo Arrangements
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