This Day in Music History: February 20, 1964
Welcome into the Spotlight...
Singer-songwriter William Martin "Billy" Joel
Billy Joel American pianist, singer-
Billy Joel ranks among rock 'n' roll's most talented musicians and accomplished songwriters. Joel's father was an accomplished pianist but it was his mother who pushed him to play the piano. He began playing at the age of 4 and showed an immediate aptitude for the instrument. As the years passed, Joel's style began to evolve, showing his range from pop to the bluesy-jazz stylings that are now closely associated with his name. Joel become the first American performer to unleash a full-scale rock production in the Soviet Union. In 1999, Joel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by his idol, Ray Charles. Several years later, in 2013, Billy Joel received the Kennedy Center Honors.
On this day in...
1964 New York band The Echoes recruited a new young unknown piano player, named Billy Joel.
Billy Joel was not an instant success becoming disillusioned with notions of becoming a rock star. In the early 70s, after moving to Los Angeles to "fly under the radar" for awhile, he got a gig working as a lounge pianist under the pseudonym Bill Martin. His time playing at The Executive Room on Wilshire Boulevard would later be immortalized in his song "Piano Man," which describes a no-name lounge's down-and-out patrons. [Source: billboard]
Although Billy Joel never was a critic's favorite, the pianist emerged as one of the most popular singer/songwriters of the latter half of the '70s. Joel's music consistently demonstrates an affection for Beatlesque hooks and a flair for Tin Pan Alley and Broadway melodies. His fusion of two distinct eras made him a superstar in the late '70s and '80s, as he racked an impressive string of multi-platinum albums and hit singles. [Source: billboard]
Click the icon at left for the songs that were No.1 on February 21 from 1940 to 2016. Then, select a year to see all songs that hit No.1 in that year. Here are but a few for your listening enjoyment so bring on the memories...
On this day in...
1968
Paul Mauriat - Love Is Blue
1987
Bon Jovi - Livin' on a Prayer
1990
Paula Abdul - Opposites Attract
2007
Nelly Furtado - Say It Right
2012
Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)
And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...
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