Billy Joel: The Life and Times of an Angry Young Man Revised and Updated

by Hank Bordowitz

(Book). Billy The Life and Times of an Angry Young Man is a look at the superstar's entire career, including his troubled youth as a gang member; the controversy surrounding his first hit, "Captain Jack"; his legal problems; his storied marriage with Christie Brinkley; and his continued artistic frustration. "The Beatles did 'Michelle' and 'Yesterday,'" he has said. "They also did 'Revolution' and 'Helter Skelter' and they weren't pegged as balladeers. But because I had hit singles that were ballads, I became known as a balladeer. I've always resented it." Joel one of the top ten touring takes of the decade has continued his standing road date with Elton John on the never-ending Two Pianos tour. It was one of the world's top-grossing tours in 2009, just behind U2 and Bruce Springsteen.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Christine Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty typical biography. Billy Joel is my favorite, so I found it interesting to read about his life.

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Occasionally more revelatory about the industry than the man, and certainly more than the music when compared to Schruer's later take. Lack of direct access to the man himself no doubt hindered the process.

Enjoyable, but not definitive.

[Bruce Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly very good. Billy Joel is a character, all New Yorker. Hard to believe that his songs are sensitive yet the guy broke his nose in the boxing ring. I think that he's done it all.

[Donna DRB · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Gene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering the author made it clear that Mr. Joel has a non disclosure with a lot of his closest people in his circle. (including some former band mates) I thought pun no it's one of THOSE books (missing the key word of unofficial in the title). For the most part though, it's well written, might not have to be a fan to enjoy it. There was a few things I hope it was going to give me more insight from I grew up hearing about but never expanded...in this case only mentioned. But considering it's the first book I picked up on him and only thing bio on him was a documentary...it's was good.

[Melissa Leder · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a solid read, given Billy Joel does not authorize a biography on his behalf. However, I think some of the facts are shaky, and it left a bit more to be desired.

[Lori]

Could not finish this one. My mind kept tripping over the writing. It could have been so interesting, but the style of writing was too tedious for me to care about the story.

[heather barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is that it?

Being a long time Billy Joel fan I didn't read a lot that was new to me. I just thought since it was unauthorized it would have a lot more about his personal life.

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this interesting and enjoyable. The info provided was anything that I couldn’t find online I’m sure. Still, compiled nicely.

Maybe someday we’ll get a biography from Billy himself.