Billy Joel Net Worth: Career & Lifestyle
An American musician, composer, and singer-songwriter, commonly nicknamed “Piano Man” after one of his hit songs, Billy Joel’s net worth is an enormous $225 million.
Billy Joel is known for his long and illustrious music career, having sold over 160 million records worldwide.
Similarly, he is also the fourth bestselling solo artist in America and the seventh best-selling recording artist.
According to Billboard, Billy Joel has eight number 1 hits and 23 top 10 hits.
His song “The River of Dreams” peaked at number 1 for 12 weeks in 1993.
Needless to say that Joel has received five Grammy Awards out of a staggering 23 nominations.
Likewise, Joe received the Grammy Legend Award in 1990.
Moreover, “Piano Man” singer received the nation’s highest honor, Kennedy Center Honors, on December 29, 2013, in Washington D.C.
He became the first artist to hold a rock tour in the Soviet Union in 1987 after the country loosened up its ban on rock music.
Billy Joel | Quick Facts
Here are some quick facts on the singer and songwriter Billy Joel:
| Full Name | William Martin Joel |
| Known Professionally | Billy Joel |
| Nickname | Piano Man, Joe, Mr. Long Island |
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1949 |
| Age | 75 Years Old |
| Religion | Atheist |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (German-American) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Place of Birth | Bronx, New York, United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Father’s Name | Howard Joel |
| Mother’s Name | Rosalind Nyman |
| Siblings | Alexander Joel (Brother), Judith Joel (Sister) |
| Profession | Composer, Singer, Songwriter, Pianist, Lyricist, Businessman, Voice Actor, Orchestrator |
| Genre | Folk, Alternative/Indie, Pop, Soft Rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, Piano |
| Record Label | Columbia Records, Family Productions, Sony Classical Records, Sony Masterworks, Famous Music |
| Songs | Piano Man, We Didn’t Start The Fire, Uptown Girl, Just The Way You Are, River of Dreams, New York State of Mind |
| Height | 5 ft. 5½ in/166.5 cm/1.66 m |
| Weight | 66 kg/145.5 lbs. |
| Distinctive Features | A Goatee |
| Hair Color | Black (In the Past), Bald (Current) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Elizabeth Weber (m. 1973-1982), Christie Brinkley (m. 1985-1994), Katie Lee (m. 2004-2000), Alexis Roderick (m. 2015-Present) |
| Children | Alexa Ray Joel, Remy Anne Joel, Della Rose Joel |
| Affairs | Deborah Dampiere (2009), Trish Bergen (2001-2002), Harriet Baldwin-Carter (1982-1983) |
| Education | Hicksville High School |
| Awards/Nominations | 23 Grammy Nominations, Five Wins |
| Brand Endorsements | Bachman Pretzels, XM Satellite Radio Service (2002) (Print Ads) |
| Favorite Song (Own) | And So It Goes, Vienna |
| Active Since | 1965-Present |
| Net Worth | $225 Million |
| Merch | Signed Vinyl Record “The Stranger,,,“, Signed Music Sheet “My Life,” Signed Music Sheet “Piano man,” Signed Photo |
| Social Media | Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, YouTube |
| Last Update | December 2024 |
Billy Joel | Net Worth & Income
Net Worth
The legendary American singer, composer, and songwriter Billy Joel’s net worth as of December 2024 is a whopping $225 million.
Having spent nearly six-decade of his career in the music industry Joel has sold over 160 million records worldwide.
As clever as a cartload of monkeys, Joel has solidified his repute as one of the legendary figures in the music scene.
Along with notoriety, Joel has also earned plentitude of greenbacks with his craft.
In addition to music sales, Joel makes a big buck from royalties, live performances, digital streaming, investment revenues, and tours.
As a matter of fact, Billy is one of the biggest concert draws in the world and has performed in front of tens of thousands of people.
His live tickets sell in double-quick time.
Music Income
Interestingly, in 1977 Billy Joel’s fifth studio album, The Stranger, sold over 10 million copies worldwide. It was certified 10X Platinum or a Diamond by RIAA.
However, because of bad management, he did not earn what he was supposed to.
In 1980, Joel earned $7.3 million from his album Glass Houses which sold approximately 7.1 million copies in the US alone.
Likewise, in 2011, Joel’s Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II earned him quite a fortune as it sold over 23 million copies. It was certified 23X Platinum or two diamonds by RIAA.
Income
In a typical year, Joel can earn up to $50 million a year.
Between 2017 and 2018, he earned a staggering $45 million through his various endeavors.
Similarly, he made $50 million between 2018 and 2019.
Piano Man easily earns around $2 to $3 million per show whenever he is subject to residencies, for instance, Madison Square Garden.
His MSG residency grossed over $150 million from 2014 to 2019.
The 2019 New Years’ Eve show alone grossed $4.6 million.
Moreover, to date, his concert tours have grossed over $454.9 million at the box office.
Tour Box Office Revenue:
| Year | Number of Shows | Total Box Office |
| 2014 | 35 | $72.2 Million |
| 2015 | 29 | $69.9 Million |
| 2016 | 28 | $76.6 Million |
| 2017 | 28 | $82.3 Million |
| 2018 | 23 | $70.3 Million |
| 2019 | 22 | $76.9 Million |
| 2020 | 6 | $14.8 Million |
| 2021 | 4 | $17.4 Million |
Finances and Lawsuits
Billy Joel filed a lawsuit against his former manager Frank Weber in 1989, claiming $90 million in damages.
He claimed his manager/former brother-in-law mishandled Joel’s $30 million money.
Nonetheless, soon after the legal issue, Weber filed for bankruptcy.
Joel still filed another lawsuit against Weber’s lawyers and accountants, but this time, luck was on his side, and he received $8 million in a settlement.
Net Worth of Billy Joel in Different Currencies
Billy Joel’s net worth as of May 2022 is $225 million, but how does it look in other currencies? Here’s How!
| Currency | Net Worth |
| Euro | € 212.79 Million |
| Pound Sterling | £ 182.05 Million |
| Australian Dollar | A$ 316.80 Million |
| Canadian Dollar | C$ 289.71 Million |
| Indian Rupee | ₹ 17,314,560,000 |
| Bitcoin | ฿ 6,214.83 |
Billy Joel | Houses & Cars
Houses
The self-proclaimed “realtor to the stars” Billy Joel has owned impressive properties across the United States and has traded them to a few entertainers.
Billy owns a beautiful 14,000 square feet mansion in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York. He purchased the abode for $22.5 million back in 2002.
Similarly, he also owned a $5.9 million New York townhouse, which he gave to his ex-wife in their divorce.
In 2014 Joel splashed about $12 million on two properties in Manalapan, Florida, that covered 4 acres.
One plot had a 9,000 square feet mansion, and one was undeveloped.
Joel ultimately listed the combined property for a staggering $29 million in 2015.
However, with not enough offers, he listed the mansion side of the property for $19.5 million.
He finally offloaded the mansion for $10.3 million in 2020. He still owns the other half of the property.
Cars
The legendary singer Billy Joel has a crazy car and motorcycle collection.
As a matter of fact, he owns a garage, 20th Century Cycles, where he houses over 100 cult bikes.
The most famous and expensive piece in his garage includes Ducati 900 Desmo Supersport, which is worth about $45,000.
Joel also has a thing for classic cars. He owns a 1962 Jaguar Mark II, 1967 Citroen 2CV, 1973 Audi Fox, and 1973 VW Beetle.
Billy Joel’s net worth is $225 million as of December 2024.
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Billy Joel | Lifestyle
Even though Joel was born in the Bronx, he grew up on Long Island.
He dropped out of high school to embark upon a music career.
He did not get a high school degree instead, 25 years later submitted an essay to Hicksville High School to make up his credits.
Joel was awarded a high school degree in 1992 at the school’s graduation ceremony.
Billy has been married four times. His first marriage to Elizabeth Weber brought quite a rough patch in his career regarding finances.
The two married in 1973 and divorced in 1982.
However, mismanaged funds of $30 million by Weber’s brother and a multi-million dollar divorce settlement left Joel nearly broke.
Nevertheless, to square things up, he began touring. But his second wife, American model Christie was not happy about this.
This caused a huge crash in their relationship and claims of infidelity.
The two shared a daughter named Alexa Ray Joel and were married from 1985 to 1994.
And after one more marriage to Chef Katie Lee, Joel married his current wife Alexis Roderick in 2015.
The couple has two daughters together, Remy Anne Joel and Della Rose Joel.
Moreover, Billy Joel has fought depression for several years.
As a matter of fact, in 1970, hectic with the personal tragedies, he left a suicide note and attempted suicide by drinking furniture polish.
Nonetheless, he got all better after receiving depression treatment at Meadowbrook Hospital.
Billy Joel | Charity
Billy Joel has supported numerous charities over the years.
“The Stranger” singer is no stranger to playing benefit concerts.
In 2002 for his services to humanity, Joel was made MusiCares Person of the Year.
Similarly, in 1978, Joel established Charity Begins At Home to support charities in the tri-state area with the goal of serving domestic violence, child abuse, cancer, autism, and other issues.
Billy Joel’s net worth as of December 2024 is a staggering $225 million.
Billy Joel | Investments, Endorsements & Books
Investments & Endorsements
As mentioned before, Billy Joel has invested a few million in businesses and real estate holdings to multiply his wealth.
In November 2010, Billy opened a garage to produce custom-made retro-styled motorbikes, parts, and accessories.
His garage, 20th Century Cycles, is located in Oyster Bay, Long Island.
Similarly, in search of a second career, Joel merged his love for boating to start Long Island Boat Company in 1996.
He partnered with Long Island boating businessman Peter Needham to begin the venture.
In addition to that, Joel has a superb real estate portfolio. He has traded properties with some of the well-known entertainers in the business, including Jerry Seinfeld and Sting.
As for his endorsements, Joel played the organ in a TV commercial for Bachman’s Pretzels.
It was way before he hit the big time and the commercial featured Chubby Checker singing “The Twist.”
Likewise, he also appeared in print ads for XA Satellite Radio Service in 2002.
As of December 2024, Billy Joel’s net worth is a whopping $225 million.
Books
Billy Joel announced that he was publishing an autobiography in 2011.
The book titled The Book of Joel: A Memoir was supposed to be published in June 2011, but he decided against publishing the book in March 2011 and officially canceled his deal with the publishing company HarperCollins.
Besides, Schruers published Joel’s biography in 2014 titled Billy Joel. The book is entirely based on personal interviews with the singer.
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Billy Joel | Career
After quitting the band The Echoes in 1967, Joel joined another group, Hassles.
The group was signed to United Artists Records and released a few albums and singles but never actually achieved much traction.
Joel and Jon Small, the band’s drummer, left the group and formed their own duo Attila.
However, the partnership would not last long as Joel got romantically involved with Small’s wife, Elizabeth.
Following that, Joel went solo and signed a recording deal with record company Family Productions in 1971.
He released his debut solo album titled Cold Spring Harbor the same year.
Unknown Facts About Billy Joel
- Joel’s first girlfriend was not music but boxing. He was quite good at the sport and won his first 22 fights. He quit boxing when he broke his nose.
- Billy went to Woodstock in 1969 to see Jimmy Hendrix perform but left early because there were no real toilets.
- Joel wrote “Just The Way You Are” as a present to his wife for her birthday.
FAQs
Did Billy Joel serve in Vietnam?
No, Billy Joel did not serve in Vietnam War.
As a matter of fact, he thought of fleeing to Canada after the draft lottery came out.
Is Billy Joel part Italian?
Though Joel is Jewish, he attended church while growing up. Along with being German American, he also has part Italian, Polish, and Irish ancestry.
Who has more hits, Elton John or Billy Joel?
Despite being British, Elton John has more hits in the United States.
Hence, John is more popular.
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