Billy Joel ~ My Life 1978 Disco Purrfection Version

"Piano Man" was the first song I ever heard from Billy Joel, it was a song that reminded me of Bread's "Guitar Man", both songs being commentaries on the sometimes lonely life of a musician. The next time was when Barbra Streisand championed Joel by including "New York State Of Mind" on her 1977 LP "Streisand Superman". That fall, Joel released "Just The Way You Are" from his LP "The Stranger" and became a serious contender on the pop charts. William Martin Joel was born in Levittown, NY on May 9, 1949 to Howard and Rosalind Joel. Howard was a classical pianist but it was his mother who enrolled him in piano lessons. Moving into his teens, he took on boxing as a sport as an amateur Golden Gloves member winning many bouts, but quit after he had his nose severely broken. He began performing in local dive clubs to help support his family while he was attending high school and eventually dropped out in his senior year even though he was quite successful at his studies. Turning his full attention to music, he idolized the Beatles, The Four Seasons and the Drifters and began writing songs. His first group was the Echoes in 1965, who morphed into The Emeralds and then the Lost Souls. He quit that band and joined The Hassles which had recently signed to United Artists records. They released two LP's that were commercial failures, "The Hassles" and "Hour Of The Wolf" that eventually were released on CD in 1991. "Cold Spring Harbor" was his first solo LP, but as it was mastered at the incorrect speed it failed to ignite. He turned to touring in 1971 then signed with Columbia Records in 1972. He moved to Los Angeles and worked at a bar called "The Executive Room" as Bill Martin that helped him create "Piano Man" in 1973. He had a friend in Walter Yetnikoff, President of Columbia Records who masterminded his release from Family Productions and also got back the copyrights for all his recordings prior to his Columbia releases, so Joel could collect the royalties. He continued to tour and other artists like Streisand and Helen Reddy began to record his music. He tired of the life in LA and moved back to New York and was paired with producer Phil Ramone. Their first collaboration succeeded in making Joel a household name and their association continued until Joel's 1986 LP "The Bridge". After the platinum success of "The Stranger" Joel and Ramone had to beat the sophmore curse with 1978's "52nd Street", named after the address of Columbia Records world headquarters. "My Life", "Big Shot" and "Honesty" ensure the #1 success of the album. "My Life" is a bouncy tune that declares his independence and it resonated with the record buying public, peaking at #3 on the Hot100 in 1979. It's been a while since I did a pop song and it's my first Billy Joel remix. I've been on a trip for 1979 recently and noticed that quite a few songs that hit in that year were actually recorded and released in 1978. Everyone seemed to be tuned to the 4/4 beat which Joel incorporated into "My Life" that no doubt contributed to the songs success. It is not a disco song, but I like to extend songs and this one seemed ripe for the picking. I just love it.

[johnnytadwell]

This song has helped me out many times in my life. Essentially when dealing with control freaks. This is my life, go ahead with your own life, leave me alone. 😎👍

[Morcaiden]

52nd Street - Billy Joel's finest hour. An album with brilliant studio musicians...and Freddie Hubbard!

[Hulkk]

One of my personal anthems since I was 17!

[mikeysuzefour]

*One of Billy Joel's best ballads*

[tangelineforever]

I was 6 when I first heard this and Shake Me Loose as the themes for Bosom Buddies . I heard his music on the radio before but I became a fan of Billy Joel because of this song (as well as Tom Hanks, Peter Scolari and the cast) thanks to Bosom Buddies back then.I used to love when hit shows & movies themes back then had songs that made it to the radio. This song, Taxi, etc...

[zildjian]

Every music has its own time line and memories to remember

[ProfessorKenneth]

I played this song while signing my divorce papers few weeks ago. I had it blasting in my earphones 👍🏻 😅im so happy now.

[freddieortiz]

big up for billy Joel, he from my hood, NYC

[bryanpotter]

Love Billy Joel my life from the TV series bosom buddies

[JennieBonbons]

❤2021. Though we help each other as a family, we all keep in mind Billy Joel's song title 'It's My Life'.

[jovannyhi-resaudioo.]

Exellent Super Long Version The Theme Of Billy Joel.
Thank You 👍.
Greetings From Peru 🇵🇪.

[fortromuloalmendras]

Still 2020..great remix as indeed..part of my growing up music..loved it here in the Philippines..👍💪🤝🙏🏼💖😋📀💿🇵🇭

[vgarcia]

Thanks!!, best regards from Mexico City

[charlesgamarra]

My songs big Billy thanks you Mr. Cat good music👍😎😷💙

[albear]

Holy hell! I feel so stupid, even watchin' Bosom Buddies since the early 1980's as a kid I just today in January 2018 I found out that Billy Joel sang the theme song. I'm a dumb ass!

[ghostbustersforever]

Awesome Remix Version of this Awesome Song from Billy Joel!!!:)

[bat_on_my_face]

Joker: Folie à Deux brought me here. Amazing film.

[marcomostertz]

My live 1978 Billy joel 😇🥰😇🥰👍😎😎🤗🤗💔💔💔🥰😇😇

[JennieLovedoll]

My favorite parts of the song are the lead piano plays and the background singers echoing the phrase "Leave it to yourself; it's my life". Those two parts sing me to sleep.😴

[thomastarwater]

Fantastic job on My Life. I think Billy Joel would enjoy DiscoCat's excellent expertise.