Part Jerry Lee Lewis, part George Gershwin, piano man Billy Joel combines Tin Pan Alley craftsmanship, rock-&-roll fervor, and a keen sense of vintage melodic balladry. He emerged in the 1970s as the definitive singer-songwriter for those who wanted something a little less introspective than James Taylor, and his way with a hook made him a superstar. His popularity waned in the '90s, and with it went his interest in pop music, which he eventually forsook to pursue an all-instrumental, classical-influenced direction.