He used his daughter’s name for the fictional boat in the lyrics. “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’” succeeds largely because Joel understood the plight of the fishermen that inspired the song.

In honor of Billy Joel's 75th birthday, we've definitively ranked his best songs, from "Allentown" to "Zanzibar." Yes, "Piano Man" is in there, too.

Billy Joel's daughter Alexa Ray Joel is reacting to his health diagnosis. The "Piano Man" singer, 76, announced on Friday, May 23, that he will be canceling all scheduled concerts following a ...