Billy Joel

“We are living in a time when American popular music is finally being recognized as one of our most successful exports. The demand is huge.”

“In a way, we are magicians. We are alchemists, sorcerers and wizards. We are a very strange bunch. But there is great fun in being a wizard.”

“Musicians now find themselves in the unlikely position of being legitimate. At least the IRS thinks so.”

“I sold my house to Jerry Seinfeld.”

“Most people are satisfied with the junk food being sold as music.”

“I don't care what consequence it brings, I have been a fool for lesser things.”

“If you are not doing what you love, you are wasting your time.”

“I was drawn to boxing because I got beat up as a kid. I was the kid with the piano books in a New York neighbourhood.”

“I'm a history nut.”

“The good ole days weren't always good, and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems.”

“There's a deep-seated paranoia that Americans have about not being Americans or something.”

“When I look at great works of art or listen to inspired music, I sense intimate portraits of the specific times in which they were created.”

“I keep telling people: Don't make me the poster boy for AA because I don't know a lot about sobriety, but I do know a lot about drinking.”

“I think historically America has been pretty tolerant. It seems when there's a mass influx from one place, that's when it becomes problematic for Americans.”

“Don't make music for some vast, unseen audience or market or ratings share or even for something as tangible as money. Though it's crucial to make a living, that shouldn't be your inspiratio...”

“Twyla Tharp put it together from the material I wrote and recorded over my whole career. I thought it was pretty good, but how objective could I be?”

“I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more of a fool not afraid of rejection.”

“I don't know why people thought I was retiring.”

“I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints - the sinners are much more fun.”

“Like family, we are tied to each other. This is what all good musicians understand.”