On this day in 1978, Billy Joel released his first-ever Billboard No. 1 album, 52nd Street. With the help of legendary producer Phil Ramone, Joel injected his sound with a new swing, enlisting jazz musicians to make sure he didn't repeat himself in the afterglow of his wildly successful previous LP, 1977's The Stranger.
As a result, 52nd Street expanded Joel's rock vocabulary and influence on its way to scoring two GRAMMY Awards, for Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male, at the 22nd Annual GRAMMY Awards.
52nd Street opens with three massive radio hits with "Big Shot," "Honesty" and the infectious "My Life," the latter of which still rings out with the bright bounce and touch of edge for which Joel has become known. Meanwhile, tracks like "Zanzibar" and "Rosalinda's Eyes" offer a glimpse into Joel's range as artist and Ramone's willingness to explore.
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Also renowned for his live shows, Joel recently celebrated his 90th (!) show at the ultimate venue, New York City's Madison Square Garden. According to Joel's IG post, if you added everyone who attended each show, it'd be more than 1.8 million, larger than the population of Manhattan.
So if you're feeling nostalgic, or perhaps tired of being told what to do, turn up some Billy Joel and sing along: "I don't care what you say anymore, this is my life."
