Billy Joel and Frank Sinatra, two iconic figures of New York's musical legacy, almost collaborated on a song, a fascinating tale of missed opportunities and mutual respect. This story highlights the thin line between success and failure in the music industry, and the power of personal connections. Here's why this story is worth revisiting.
A Musical Friendship
Billy Joel, the 'Piano Man', has always been a tribute to the old masters of popular music. His solo career, from 'The Stranger' to 'Storm Front', was a journey through the streets of urban melancholy, new wave, and pop rock, all while paying homage to the greats. When Joel likened Frank Sinatra's voice to that of a saxophone player's phrasing, it was a compliment that went a long way. Sinatra, the Rat Pack leader and swing legend, appreciated the nod, and the two began a correspondence. Sinatra even offered Joel a chance to write a song for him, a rare opportunity for any artist.
A Missed Collaboration
The story of their potential collaboration is a fascinating one. Joel and Sinatra met in Australia during the Storm Front Tour, and Sinatra invited Joel and his then-partner, Christie Brinkley, to a luxurious hotel lobby in Sydney. However, Sinatra's recent poor performance and a black cloud of negativity followed him, and he snapped at Joel and Brinkley, causing a rift. The next night, the atmosphere improved, and Sinatra was more welcoming, even ad-libbing a song for Brinkley. Yet, the collaboration never materialized. Sinatra passed away in 1998, and Joel never got to write that special song.
A Mutual Affection
Despite the missed collaboration, Joel and Sinatra shared a mutual affection and respect. Joel's solidarity with Sinatra during the Grammy Legend Award acceptance speech in 1994 was a testament to this. When the speech was cut short for a commercial break, Joel stopped his performance of 'River of Dreams', holding his watch aloft and announcing 'valuable advertising time going by'. This gesture was met with cheers and laughter from the crowd, showing the deep connection between the two artists.
Lessons Learned
This story highlights the importance of personal connections in the music industry. Sinatra's offer to Joel was a rare opportunity, and the two artists' interactions show the power of mutual respect. It also reminds us that success is often a matter of timing and circumstances. Joel's veneration for the old masters almost led to a collaboration, but fate had other plans. In the end, it's the missed opportunities that make the story of Billy Joel and Frank Sinatra so captivating and memorable.
