NONFICTION

Billy Joel: America's Piano Man

Rowman & Littlefield. Jun. 2017. 200p. index. ISBN 9781442242050. $40; ebk. ISBN 9781442242067. MUSIC
COPY ISBN
Duchan (music history & ethnomusicology, Wayne State Univ.; Powerful Voices) takes a middle-ground approach to analyzing the work of one of America's most recognizable musicians of the past five decades. This book is much more than a biography but does not include detailed analysis of as many of Billy Joel's compositions as some other books (e.g., Ken Bielen's The Words and Music of Billy Joel). Duchan organizes his analysis of Joel's work around several themes (e.g., place, living in American culture, stylistic authenticity, etc.). This approach works very well, especially at tracing the musician's development over the course of his career and in providing context for some of his best-known and finest songs and instrumental compositions. The writing style is fluid and the research solid, providing much insight into Joel.
VERDICT A must-read analysis of the work of one our most popular performers.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?