billy joel

When singer and pianist Billy Joel went to Vanderbilt University in January for a Q&A session on campus, he probably didn't think he'd get to play Fairy Godfather (it's a thing because we say it is). But by the end of the night, he was practically holding a magic wand -- because he gave one dude the experience of a lifetime.

When Billy Joel was a young artist entertaining offers from record labels, he ultimately chose Columbia because it was “a company that knows how to build a career.” On Nov. 8, Columbia/Legacy Recordings will honor that successful career by releasing a limited-edition Joel boxed set and a two-disc version of his 1973 breakthrough album, ‘Piano Man.’

In an upcoming issue of "Rolling Stone" Elton John outs Billy as an alcoholic.