"We Didn't Start the Fire"

Duchan and Bañagale have brought together 12 essays on musician Billy Joel (b. 1949), preceded by an introduction and a brief foreword by Joel. Though there have been many biographies of Joel, this is a valuable addition to the scholarship. . . The book concludes with Bañagale and Duchan’s 2016 interview with Joel. Many of the essays include music transcriptions. A discography lists Joel’s dozen solo studio albums; bibliographical references stand in for a bibliography. This is a useful addition to the literature on Joel’s musical heritage. Recommended.

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Ultimately, I leave the interpretation of my music to others. I’ve said all I can, in the music and in interviews. I’m flattered that the last few years have seen an increase in interest in my music on the part of musicologists and other scholars, seeking better understandings of my songs and their place in American history and culture. If that all continues, great. And the chapters in this book are a very good place to start. —from the Foreword by -- Billy Joel

A wide-ranging look at the work of a pop master. This illuminating collection of essays offers diverse perspectives on Joel’s music, making a compelling scholarly case for his legacy as one of rock’s great songwriters and performers.

-- Albin Zak, University at Albany

We learn from many insightful perspectives how to fully appreciate Joel’s intriguing body of work. The writers have geared their presentations for the non-specialist reader, a great feat given the multileveled complexity of the lyrics, music, and sonics in Joel’s catalog. The collection is topped-off with a penetrating discussion with The Man himself—Bravi!

-- Walter Everett, The University of Mich