From a failed debut to one of history's best-selling solo artists
In short: Billy Joel’s career began with a poorly selling debut plagued by mastering errors. Yet, he transformed from a struggling artist on the brink of being dropped by Columbia Records into a global phenomenon with over 150 million records sold worldwide.
Joel's journey through the music industry was marked by early volatility. His 1971 debut, Cold Spring Harbor, struggled commercially and suffered from a mastering error. While his subsequent albums, Streetlife Serenade and Turnstiles, failed to meet Columbia Records' expectations, he achieved a massive breakthrough with the 1977 release of The Stranger. This album remains his best-selling studio work, earning 12× Platinum and Diamond status in the United States.
His commercial peak saw him become a dominant force in the industry. In the US, his 1985 collection, Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II, earned 23× Platinum status, ranking as the RIAA's second most successful solo album, trailing only Michael Jackson's Thriller. His total global sales exceed 150 million records, and in the United States alone, he has sold 85 million certified albums.
In terms of historical standing, Joel is ranked as the 4th best-selling solo artist of all time in the US, following Garth Brooks, Elvis Presley, and Michael Jackson. Billboard placed him 19th in their total list, naming him the 9th best male soloist ever. His diverse discography includes 13 studio albums, ranging from rock to his final studio work, Fantasies & Delusions, which consists of his own classical compositions.
Throughout his career, Joel has produced a vast body of work, including 8 live albums, 19 compilation albums, and 14 video albums. His output also includes 82 singles, three promotional singles, and 45 music videos.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Billy Joel discography
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