Classic Rock Icon Makes Bold Statement About His Daughter’s Music Career originally appeared on Parade.
Legendary singer‑songwriter Billy Joelhas not been tight-lipped about his evolving and protective role in his daughter Alexa Ray Joel’s music journey.
In an article published by American Songwriter on Monday, June 23, the “Piano Man” artist candidly shared his hopes, pride, and boundaries when it comes to being both Alexa’s father and supporter of her career.
The “Honesty” singer, 76, emphasized the care with which he’s navigated offering guidance without overshadowing his daughter’s autonomy. “I’ve tried to not be a stage father,” he shared withMassLive, expressing his deliberate efforts to avoid imposing his own path onto her. “I knew my kid was going to want to be a musician. She was singing since she was a baby and had perfect pitch. I said back then, ‘Oh she’s got it, the genetic qualifications.’”
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Despite admitting the talent was apparent from a young age, though, he made clear that “She’s got her own thing,” noting his trust and development as an independent artist by continuing, “[She’s] finding her own place in the music world.”
Billy continued: “Her mom is more of a cheerleader for her. I think there’s a danger in me being too involved because people are going to naturally assume ‘Oh she’s a rich kid, her dad’s opening all the doors for her, she’s riding his coattails.’ She’s going to get a certain amount of flack just because of what her last name is, which is kind of a mixed blessing.”
“Look I’ve been through the mill and lived to tell the tale so I’m a good source of information, but I’m not a stage father,” the longtime hitmaker said.
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“She’s doing it the right way, which is the hard way,” he included in his observation at the time. “She’s playing all over the States, playing colleges, clubs. That’s how you learn your craft, you’ve got get up there and have a bad night and have people boo you or ignore you. That makes you better.”
Alexa—whom the iconic musician shares with Christie Brinkley—began her music journey in the late 2000s, self-releasing her EP Sketches in 2006. She went on tour a few times and released subsequent singles “Notice Me,” “Beg You To Stay,” “Seven Years,” and more in later years.
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Classic Rock Icon Makes Bold Statement About His Daughter’s Music Career first appeared on Parade on Jun 23, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
