Billy Joel reflects on the first time he met his wife, Alexis, in the new HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, revealing that her indifference to his musical talents initially intrigued him.
The 76-year-old singer recalls trying to impress Alexis with a private piano performance at his home, only to find she was “completely unimpressed” by the gesture.
The Unimpressed Moment That Captivated Billy
Joel, known for his iconic hits like “Just the Way You Are,” admits that when he first met Alexis, he was eager to showcase his musical abilities. He performed a piece by Sergei Rachmaninoff, inspired by a famous scene from The Seven-Year Itch, in which the lead character plays music to win over Marilyn Monroe’s character.
However, Alexis had little interest in his performance. “She couldn’t care less what I’m playing,” Joel says, laughing about the moment. “This isn’t working,” he thought, but he was surprised by her lack of attention to his fame and musical prowess.
“She was very unimpressed with the whole Billy Joel thing, which impressed me. Because I thought, ‘OK, maybe she’s just here because she likes me, not the Billy Joel guy.’”
A New Beginning for Billy Joel
At the time, Billy Joel was coming out of a recent divorce from his third wife, Katie Lee, and wasn’t initially sure if he was ready to start a new relationship. Despite his hesitation, something “popped” when he met Alexis, and he realized he was open to love again. This initial spark led to a deeper connection between them.
A Life of Adventure and Family
Billy and Alexis, who married in 2015 and have two daughters, Della (9) and Remy (7), built a relationship centered on love and adventure. In the documentary, Alexis shares that the couple spent time traveling before having kids, exploring places by motorcycle, boat, and even spending time in Europe.
Alexis also praised Billy’s cooking skills, recalling how he would often prepare dinner for her when she came home from her job in finance.
Support During Health Struggles
In recent months, Billy Joel has been dealing with a treatable brain condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus. Alexis has been a strong pillar of support for him during this challenging time. Billy assured his fans that he is “OK” and not “deathly ill,” and he is finding peace in his current chapter of life.
A New Chapter of Happiness
Billy’s longtime booking agent, Dennis Arfa, expressed his happiness for Joel, praising his relationship with Alexis and their children. Arfa said, “It’s quite rewarding…I’m happy for him in this chapter, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter with him.” Joel himself echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’m really enjoying this time in my life.”
Billy Joel: And So It Goes
The documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which is now streaming on HBO Max, offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of the rock legend. It covers his struggles with substance abuse, mental health, and his journey to finding peace with his family.
