The concluding part of the HBO documentary on Billy Joel delves into the singer's personal and professional life, exploring his family history, creative influences, and public struggles. The film highlights Joel's complicated relationship with his father, shaped by the trauma of the Holocaust, and how this influenced his music, notably the song 'Vienna.' It also examines his marriages, particularly with Christie Brinkley, and the challenges of fame and paparazzi attention. Joel's deep connection to classical music is showcased, as is his eventual fatigue with pop songwriting, leading to a long hiatus from releasing new material. The documentary addresses his battles with addiction and the impact on his relationships, while also portraying his enduring belief in love and his close bond with his children. Notably, the film does not cover Joel's recent health diagnosis or his latest musical releases.

Original article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/25/arts/music/billy-joel-documentary-and-so-it-goes-part-2.html
Source Id: 2025-07-787494486