Billy Joel’s Docu-Series Explores Life, Music, and Resilience

Billy Joel, the iconic American musician, is the focus of a new two-part documentary series titled And So It Goes, which premieres on October 1, 2023, on Neon. This nearly five-hour chronicle offers an intimate look into Joel’s life, exploring both his career highs and personal lows. Similar to the documentary on Paul Simon released earlier this year, this series delves deep into the experiences that shaped one of the most beloved figures in popular music.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to candid reflections from Joel himself, as well as insights from friends, family, and fellow artists. The documentary reveals the challenges he faced, starting with his troubled childhood in Hicksville, Long Island. Joel’s father abandoned the family when he was just eight years old, an event that marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey. Early performances with the band The Hassles and the heavy metal duo Attila are discussed, with Joel humorously recalling their lack of success: “We were one of the worst bands of all-time – we drove people out of clubs we were so loud and so bad.”

The documentary also touches on Joel’s struggles with addiction, depression, and the harsh criticisms he has faced throughout his career. Directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, the narrative captures his rise to fame, the setbacks he encountered, and his eventual resurgence, transforming from a punchline in the noughties to a “national treasure” recognized for his significant contributions to music.

As Joel reflects on his career, he emphasizes that all his experiences have influenced his music. His impressive accolades, including six Grammy Awards and sales exceeding 160 million albums worldwide, are juxtaposed with less favorable reviews, including a pointed critique from Rolling Stone that described his material as “catchy, but then so is the flu.” Despite this, prominent figures such as Sting, Bruce Springsteen, and Paul McCartney praise his talent as a songwriter and melody creator.

The series also highlights some of Joel’s most significant works, including the 1989 hit “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” which sparked discussions among educators about its educational value, likened to “the greatest educational tool since Sesame Street.” Additionally, Joel shares poignant stories about his family history, including the harrowing tale of his Jewish grandfather’s escape from Nazi Germany, and his meeting with supermodel Christie Brinkley, which adds depth to his personal narrative.

In And So It Goes, Billy Joel not only recounts the genesis of his numerous hits, from the 1973 anthem “Piano Man” to the reflective “The River of Dreams” in 1993, but also underscores the resilience that has characterized his life. As he notes, “Everything I’ve done, everything I’ve lived through, somehow found its way into my music.”

This documentary promises to resonate deeply with fans and newcomers alike, offering a comprehensive look at a man whose music has shaped generations. Billy Joel: And So It Goes begins streaming on Neon on October 1.