With more than 50 years of performances as a solo artist, Billy Joel’s songs and stage show have evolved alongside the formats for musical performances on late night television programs.

Spots like these have always been valuable for developing artists to introduce themselves to new audiences. More established musicians often appear on them near the promotional kickoff for a new album or tour. 

Over the next two episodes, we’re exploring Billy Joel’s appearances on late night TV. Our first installment follows Billy as a budding singer-songwriter in the early 1970s, performing on a handful of post-primetime shows featuring live rock and roll performances. 

Billy was never a fan of television appearances, and even early in his career, he bends their formats whenever he can. 

Along with fiery renditions of his early songs, Billy uses his airtime to defend his positioning as compared to his contemporaries, do a few impressions and even jam on a few cover songs. Later, he fulfills the “Live” part of his second Saturday Night Live appearance, but does so from an unexpected location. 

Join us as we dig deep into Billy Joel’s late night TV appearances from 1973 to 1982.

ROBBY COSENZA / THE FANGED ROBOT ALBUM

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Produced by Michael Grosvenor & Jack Firneno for Glass Houses Media, LLC

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