After BILLY JOEL's departure from 'The Hassles' to start his solo career, he recorded his 'first' album, 'Cold Spring Harbor' in 1971. This album would be the 'first' of many albums BILLY JOEL would record in his career. You could say this album was the foundation, his 'first' attempt, at becoming the super-star he is today. But does anyone remember the 'original' band members that were instrumental in facilitating BILLY JOEL's career? You may remember BILLY JOEL's former band members from the mid 70's and early 80's, who were instrumental in BILLY JOEL selling 150 million albums, and later formed the band, 'The Lords of 52nd Street'. And the band members BILLY JOEL has with him today, have been with him for decades. Although the're all great musicans, none of them (excluding Mark Rivera) were instrumental in BILLY JOEL's early career. But they know the cords and the notes to his songs. But BILLY JOEL's 'original' band members who helped BILLY JOEL launch his solo career are all but forgotten. I only mention this because one of the 'original' band members reached out to me, BILLY JOEL's 'original' bass player, Larry Russell. Larry sent me the photo below, and a audio recording of BILLY JOEL's 'original' band playing, 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' at the Mar Y Sol festival in Puerto Rico in 1972. This photo and recording can be found on the internet. But getting them e-mailed to me from 'original' band member Larry Russell himself, to me, is beyond words.
1972 Photo taken by: Rhys Clark (Billy Joel's 'original' drummer) From left to right. Irwin Mazur's wife. Irwin Mazur, manager of 'The Hassles', and the executive producer of the 'Cold Spring Harbor' album. Annie, (Brian Ruggles girlfriend). Elizabeth Weber Small, (Billy Joel's girlfriend). Larry Russell, ('original' bass guitarist). Alan Hertzberg, back towards camera, ('original' lead guitarist). And Billy Joel.
'Original' BAND MEMBERS
Billy Joel, piano / Larry Russell, bass / Rhys Clark, drums / Alan Hertzberg, guitar.
