For the past decade there has been a hustle bustle of pedestrian traffic on my street as people rush to see Billy Joel play his heart out at his Madison Square Garden residency. The fans who come to the Garden are staunch, some seeing the same set more than once a year—and, well, now they’re going to be especially happy if they are Long Islanders. Because the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame has launched the exhibition Billy Joel: My Life. A Piano Man’s Journey, designed by Kevin O’Callaghan. When it comes to Long Island’s finest, Billy is the king.
On view is over five decades of rare memorabilia, videos, records, instruments and interactive exhibits. The Levittown native earned fame and fortune after “Piano Man” emotionally and rhythmically told the story of his nights playing in a bar for tips, and his Hall of Fame cred is underscored by O’Callaghan’s immersive display. Joel said he was floored when he first saw it on opening night. “They just asked for stuff,” and this is what he had, from his early days to his Madison Square Garden residency.