Billy Joel to perform at the 2024 Grammy Awards to promote new single
By Wade Wainio
Taking the spotlight at this year's Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 4 will be the legendary Billy Joel. While he may not be up for any awards this time, Joel boasts an impressive track record with five Grammy wins over the years and 23 nominations. Notably, he clinched Album of the Year for 52nd Street"— with its hits like "My Life" and "Big Shot" — and both Record and Song of the Year for "Just the Way You Are" (not to be confused with the Bruno Mars song). In 1991, he was honored with the prestigious Grammy Legend Award, which is intended to denote musician's "ongoing contributions and influence in the recording field."
Joining Joel on the star-studded lineup for the upcoming awards show are Luke Combs, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Burna Boy, and Travis Scott. Some of these artists are no strangers to Grammy Awards themselves. For example, Billie Eilish has already received 17 Grammy nominations and seven wins, including Album of the Year (“When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?”)
Others will be there to promote new songs, such as Dua Lipa and her song “Training Season.”
On that note: Excitement surrounding Joel's Grammy appearance has been amplified by the recent announcement of his latest pop single, "Turn the Lights Back On," marking his first return to the pop music scene since 2007. Described as a "classic Billy Joel-style tune," the song encapsulates his iconic sound, as highlighted in a press release. The eagerly anticipated single, featuring the poignant lyrics "Did I wait too long...to turn the lights back on?" is scheduled for release on Feb. 1.
More about Billy Joel
Billy Joel is a highly acclaimed American singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer, whose career has spanned several decades. Born on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York, Joel's music encompasses a diverse range of genres, including rock, pop, and classical influences. He gained widespread recognition in the 1970s with hit albums like Piano Man and The Stranger, establishing himself as a prolific and influential artist.
Joel's signature style combines catchy melodies with poignant lyrics, often drawing from personal experiences and observations of everyday life. His storytelling prowess is evident in iconic songs like "Piano Man," "Uptown Girl," and "We Didn't Start the Fire" (which even the most skilled rappers might need a cheatsheet to remember all the words to). Over the years, he has received numerous accolades, including the aforementioned Grammy Awards, and being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Beyond his musical achievements, Joel is celebrated for his dynamic stage presence and memorable live performances, rivaling Jerry Lee Lewis (“The Killer”) as being the most famous piano player in rock history. His residency at Madison Square Garden, where he performed monthly from 2014 to 2024, became a testament to his enduring popularity (he promised to perform there "as long as the demand continues"). Billy Joel's contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time and a beloved figure in the world of entertainment.