We watched the new Billy Joel documentary as lifelong fans, and we had no idea this one person was such a big part of his success. Watching HBO’s five-hour Billy Joel documentary about his hits and misses, ups and downs, and the stories behind his most iconic tracks, we learned that one person in particular played a major role in the entertainer becoming one of the biggest pop stars of all time: his ex-wife and manager, Elizabeth Weber. We just have to give this woman her flowers. Though we were aware that Billy Joel had been married and divorced and remarried several times, we weren’t all too familiar with what kind of impact his first wife, Elizabeth Weber, had on his life and career until watching “And So It Goes.” Weber was originally married to Joel’s bandmate, John Small, but the relationship deteriorated due to Joel professing his love for his best friend’s girl. Some time later, Joel and Weber got together and married, with the latter also taking on the role of his business manager.
Billy Joel: And So It Goes is a definitive two-part documentary about the legendary singer-songwriter, offering a deeply personal look into his childhood, musical breakthroughs, and struggles with fame. Directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, the expansive film first premiered on HBO and is available to stream on platforms like Max and Hulu.Part OneThe first part delves into Joel’s working-class upbringing on Long Island, the profound impact of his father leaving, and his early steps into the music business. It heavily features his first wife, Elizabeth Weber, in her first interview in 40 years, detailing how her partnership fueled some of his earliest hits.Key themes: Career launch, the deal behind “Piano Man,” substance abuse, critical reception, and his near-fatal motorcycle accident.Guest appearances: Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen are among the musical legends featured.Part TwoThe second part examines Joel’s creative evolution and the stories behind complex albums like The Nylon Curtain. It also uncovers the hidden history of his grandparents’ escape from Nazi Germany, which inspired the song “Vienna,” and his transition into mega-stardom and pop royalty.Key themes: Marriage to Christie Brinkley, the inspiration for “Uptown Girl,” later-in-life reinvention, his historic Madison Square Garden residency, and his enduring classical roots. Guest appearances: Elton John, Sting, and Pink discuss Joel’s impact on music.
Photo: Billy Joel | Credit Myrna Suarez
