Billy Joel

Bekannte Zitate von Billy Joel

More than art, more than literature, music is universally accessible.

I've crashed my car three times.

When I was 19, I made my first good week's pay as a club musician. It was enough money for me to quit my job at the factory and still pay the rent and buy some food. I freaked.

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

I'm a history nut.

As human beings, we need to know that we are not alone, that we are not crazy or completely out of our minds, that there are other people out there who feel as we do, live as we do, love as we do, who are like us.

I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.

You want to give people a reason to hate my guts more? I'm making more money.

Historically, musicians know what it is like to be outside the norm - walking the high wire without a safety net. Our experience is not so different from those who march to the beat of different drummers.

The whole world loves American movies, blue jeans, jazz and rock and roll. It is probably a better way to get to know our country than by what politicians or airline commercials represent.

In an age of incompetence, I've been able to last in this crazy business. I actually know how to play my ax and write a song. That's my job.

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 inspiration. Do it for yourself.

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