# Which generation does Billy Joel belong to? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 8, 2001, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813 "2001-05-08T22:34:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![NHL7890](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c4cdca/32.png) [@NHL7890](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NHL7890)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2001, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/1 "2001-05-08T22:34:22Z")
I am a Billy Joel fan and I have heard this question/argument flung around many times. Which generation exactly does he belong to? 1970s, 1980s, 1990s or? Personally I think he can belong to all three but hey I was just wondering what other peoples take on this is. ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2001, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/2 "2001-05-08T22:58:29Z")
Being a huge Billy Joel fan myself _cough_, I’d say that his best stuff was in the 1970s to mid-1980s. If we have to pick a specific decade, I’ll say 1970s. More input later as the situation warrants, but right now I’m on deadline! ---
**Author:** ![FarmerOak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9c0ed/32.png) [@FarmerOak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerOak)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/3 "2001-05-09T00:14:27Z")
Mr, William Martin Joel is timeless and belongs to us all, and our posterity. End of discussion. ---
**Author:** ![Purd\_Werfect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47c2d/32.png) [@Purd\_Werfect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Purd_Werfect)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/4 "2001-05-09T00:17:53Z")
70’s all the way. The 80’s are reserved for the widescale awareness of punk, followed closely by New Wave carving out quite a channel in mainstream media. By the 90’s, Joel was in the elder statesman category of pop music. ---
**Author:** ![Chas.E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e99b99/32.png) [@Chas.E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chas.E)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/5 "2001-05-09T00:48:46Z")
Billy Joel belongs to the generation that never should have been. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/6 "2001-05-09T00:56:54Z")
Well, I don’t want him for _my_ generation (born 1970, so Gen X, I guess, if you go in for that claptrap). Let the Baby Boomers have 'im. We’ve got plenty enough hacks from our own time without admitting him. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/7 "2001-05-09T01:04:43Z")
Aaah, but on the other hand, **woodstockbirdybird** , I was born in 1971 and consider Billy Joel to belong to _my_ generation. \ I liked pop music a lot when I was elementary-school age. Billy Joel’s strongest years didn’t fall neatly into the 70s or 80s. I’d say they were from 1974-1985. ---
**Author:** ![FarmerOak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9c0ed/32.png) [@FarmerOak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerOak)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/8 "2001-05-09T01:08:14Z")
Quite right, woodstocky… your generation has inflicted upon the world such atrocities as rap, hip-hop, and Ace of Base. I hereby forbid you to listen to good music ever again. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/9 "2001-05-09T03:29:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by FarmerOak \* > \*\*Quite right, woodstocky… your generation has inflicted upon the world such atrocities as rap, hip-hop, and Ace of Base. I hereby forbid you to listen to good music ever again. \*\* Well, if by “good music” you mean Billy Joel, I’m sure I’ll survive. Anyway, one person’s atrocities are another’s works of art - not gonna defend Ace of Base, but I don’t see how anybody can condemn a whole genre of music such as hip hop. Personally, I’d much rather listen to hip hop than the laid-back L.A. corporate rock of the Eagles, the horrible southern/boogie bands, posturing cock-rock or smarmy “pop” (read: Billy, Elton) of the great bygone 70s. In fact, discounting Big Star and a few songs here and there, the 70s were the worst decade for popular music ever until punk came along, in my not-so-humble opinion. But then, what do I know? My generation has no musical taste anyway. ---
**Author:** ![FarmerOak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9c0ed/32.png) [@FarmerOak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerOak)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/10 "2001-05-09T03:32:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by woodstockbirdybird \* > But then, what do I know? My generation has no musical taste anyway. \*\* No additional comment is necessary. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/11 "2001-05-09T03:36:58Z")
**Farmer** , let me explain this thing called “sarcasm” to you. It’ll come in handy; people use it a lot around here. Anyway, if you want to talk seriously about music I assure you I can keep up with you, despite being from “my generation”. If you wanna start flinging insults, we can go to the pit. But I guarantee you you’ll lose. ---
**Author:** ![FarmerOak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9c0ed/32.png) [@FarmerOak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerOak)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/12 "2001-05-09T03:42:47Z")
My, my, aren’t you the testy one? I didn’t realize this was a contest, as I agreed with BOTH of your posts, as you will see if you bothered to re-read my responses. You may fling all the insults you like, you ignorant little elitist. But never forget that YOU came in here with the EXPRESS purpose of insulting the subject of the thread. You set yourself up, little man. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/13 "2001-05-09T05:45:31Z")
Oh, you _agreed_ with me? I see. Oh yeah, I guess you mean when you said “quite right” before informing me what musical “atrocities” my generation has inflicted on the world. Silly me! However could I have misinterpreted that? Oh, and then you backed up my assertion that “my generation has no musical taste anyway.” Gosh, thanks, **farmer**! Only that was the line I was referring to when I mentioned the sarcasm, as any semi-retarded Cub Scout would have been able to figure out! Man, I apologize. I guess you were on my side the whole time, but I was too “ignorant” to notice, and just jumped in half-cocked (note: this is another use of sarcasm, just to help guide you along). Oh, and don’t you think it’s a bit hypocritical, calling me an “ignorant elitist”, when you yourself dismiss the entire field of rap and hip hop? Hmmm? Oh, and I think if you’ll look at the post directly before mine, you’ll see I wasn’t the first one to come in here with the “express purpose of insulting the subject of this thread”. Though I’ll admit, it wasn’t the most thoughtful response to the OP. Still, I meant it to be more humorous than bilious, which is apparently how it came out. So I apologize to, uh, the Billy Joel fans, I guess. Anyway, this isn’t the place for name-calling, so I’ll stop before I get in trouble. But, to be fair, you’re coming off just as (if not more than) testy as I did. Think about it. ---
**Author:** ![FarmerOak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9c0ed/32.png) [@FarmerOak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerOak)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/14 "2001-05-09T05:49:46Z")
Your apology is accepted. The rest of your tedious rant, you can have back. Go peddle your papers. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/15 "2001-05-09T05:59:38Z")
Gee, thanks, O Swami, for your graciousness. I guess I’ll go “peddle my papers” now, whatever the hell that’s supposed to mean. You take care, and don’t forget the sauce for the customers who order the McNuggets. And be sure to alert me if there’s an REO Speedwagon thread I might otherwise overlook. ---
**Author:** ![FarmerOak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9c0ed/32.png) [@FarmerOak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerOak)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/16 "2001-05-09T06:03:54Z")
Hey, it’s my pleasure. By the way, what are McNuggets? Who is this Speedwagon fellow? Friend of yours? ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/17 "2001-05-09T06:09:48Z")
Oh no, Speedwagon is a friend to _all of us_. All right, your last post actually made me laugh. I suppose I’ll quit now. Thanks for the sparring match. Ah, Billy Joel - still bringing people together from across the generations. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_Rhosis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@Sir\_Rhosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_Rhosis)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/18 "2001-05-09T06:13:24Z")
Goddamit guys, Music is one of those “to each his own kind” of deals. As Dick Clark said on an episode of “Politically Incorrect,” bashing music, arguing about the merits of such a personal thing as music “is an old argument, it’s a stupid argument,” or words very similar to that. Back to the OP, I agree that Joel’s best years were mid-70s to mid-80s. “Songs From The Attic” (81 or 82) is superior pop music–“Say Goodbye To Hollywood” far better than the over-played “Piano Man.” Sir ---
**Author:** ![FarmerOak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9c0ed/32.png) [@FarmerOak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FarmerOak)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/19 "2001-05-09T06:19:49Z")
Quite right, Sir Rhosis. I have no interest in the flame boards nor the children who habituate them. I would not DREAM of posting flames of an artist on a board meant to discuss his or her works. However, I WILL respond in kind to anyone boorish enough to do it here. All subjective views are valid with regard to art. However, flames will not be permitted here. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2001, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813/20 "2001-05-09T06:45:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sir Rhosis \* > \*\*Goddamit guys, > > Music is one of those “to each his own kind” of deals. As Dick Clark said on an episode of “Politically Incorrect,” bashing music, arguing about the merits of such a personal thing as music “is an old argument, it’s a stupid argument,” or words very similar to that. > > \*\* Well, I guess we should tell all the music critics to find a new line of work then. ‘Cause everyone is going to like _some_ type of music, so what’s the point? I mean, it’s not as if people actually buy _Rolling Stone_ or _Spin_ and read the record reviews, right? And I suppose we can do away with film, literary, and art critcs too, because aesthetics is a subjective thing. Just because somebody has an informed opinion on a topic, or majored in music and/or journalism in school, doesn’t mean their thoughts on the subject are any more valid than, say, a twelve year-old girl, huh? Anyway, my main problem here is **farmer’s** smug tone. He insults me personally, which I DID NOT DO anywhere in my original post, and then, even after I apologize and try to be decent by saying he made me laugh (after more insults from him), he labels me one of the “children who habituate the flame boards” (at least by implication) and boorish. Yeah, “all subjective views are valid with regard to art” - unless you like Ace of Base or hip hop. And then tries to appear noble - “flames will not be permitted here.” Go ahead and re-read your responses to me, and then try saying that with a straight face. Gimme a fuckin’ break. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-generation-does-billy-joel-belong-to/64813.md?page=2)