"Piano Man" is the title track from Billy Joel's 1973 album Piano Man. The storytelling classic peaked at #25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 but went on to become his signature song and a live favorite for decades. It was inspired by Joel's real experiences performing at a piano bar in Los Angeles after leaving his first record deal.
Many of the song's characters including the waitress, the businessman, and "John at the bar" were based on actual regulars Joel met while performing. He also played the song's instantly recognizable harmonica part himself, and although it wasn't his biggest hit at the time, "Piano Man" became the song most closely associated with his career.
Many of the song's characters including the waitress, the businessman, and "John at the bar" were based on actual regulars Joel met while performing. He also played the song's instantly recognizable harmonica part himself, and although it wasn't his biggest hit at the time, "Piano Man" became the song most closely associated with his career.