Learn How Billy Joel Creates Rhythm Section With A Piano
via The Howard Stern Show / Youtube
On February 14, 2024, legendary musician Billy Joel graced The Howard Stern Show with his presence, joining Howard Stern for an insightful and engaging discussion at the SiriusXM Miami Studios. During the interview, Joel touched upon various topics, including his new single “Turn the Lights Back On,” his songwriting process, memories of the iconic charity recording “We Are the World,” and more.
Exploring ‘Turn the Lights Back On’
The focal point of the conversation was Joel’s recent release, “Turn the Lights Back On.” Seated at a piano, Joel shared the inspiration behind the poignant lyrics of the song. Howard Stern himself described it as “so beautiful,” highlighting the emotional depth of the composition. Joel revealed how songwriter Freddy Wexler played a pivotal role in encouraging him to return to creating new music after a prolonged hiatus.
Reflecting on his extensive career, Joel and Stern reminisced about the 1989 hit “And So It Goes,” shedding light on the personal relationship that inspired the heartfelt ballad. Additionally, they discussed the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the star-studded recording session for “We Are the World” in 1985, a renowned charity anthem.
View this post on Instagram
Behind the Scenes: Recording ‘We Are the World’
Joel fondly recalled the atmosphere during the recording, sharing amusing anecdotes from the day. He recounted interactions with fellow musicians, including Cyndi Lauper’s humorous observation likening the song to a Pepsi commercial.
“Nobody knew what the song was gonna be,”
Joel said,
“I’m standing next to Cyndi Lauper and … she’s leaning over to me and going, ‘This song sounds like a Pepsi commercial.'”
He added,
“Bob Dylan was shy to sing on his own, so Stevie Wonder comes out and is telling Bob how to sing like Bob Dylan … Funny stuff was happening.”
Billy continued,
“Sometimes Bruce [Springsteen] and I are in the chorus and sometimes we’re not, because there was a big pile of deli sandwiches on the other side of the room, and we kept going over to get a beer and a sandwich.”
Anecdotes from a Musical Milestone
This glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics adds a charming layer to the iconic event that brought together some of the biggest names in music for a noble cause.
For fans eager to hear more about Joel’s insights and experiences, the full interview is available for streaming on the SiriusXM app. Billy Joel’s candid conversation with Howard Stern provides a captivating look into the life and career of one of music’s most revered talents, offering a treasure trove of anecdotes and reflections for fans to enjoy.
Watch Billy Joel demonstrate how he creates rhythm section with a piano below:
