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Billy
Joel

1999

Ray Charles

Billy Joel gives irrefutable proof that piano is a rock and roll instrument. After a stint as a lounge pianist, Billy Joel broke into the mainstream with his signature ballads followed up by anthems about everything from a disenchanting music industry to the contentious political climate.

Induction

Impact

Joel gives irrefutable proof that piano is a rock & roll instrument

1999 Hall of Fame Essay

Billy Joel comes off as such a determinedly average guy that it’s tempting to undervalue his extraordinary gifts...

Written by Parke Puterbaugh

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