'Piano Man' Billy Joel's Memorbilia To Be Shown At Long Island Museum

STONY BROOK, NY — An exhibit dedicated to Long Island's own, 'piano man' Billy Joel, will debut next week at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook.

"My Life: A Piano Man's Journey," the first major exhibit to cover the musician's career, will showcase over 50 years with of "cherished items" like rare memorabilia, behind-the-scenes video, dozens of awards, rare audio and video recordings, as well as vintage instruments and historic photos, according to the hall of fame.

Many of the items were donated by Joel and have never been seen by the public.

It will open on Friday, Nov. 24, at noon.

The career of Joel, a native of the Hicksville/Levittown area, will be highlighted in the exhibit through his albums, tours, inspirations, and personal experiences, according to the hall of fame.

The organization's chairman, Ernie Canadeo, said its board members are "thrilled and honored" to present the exhibit, calling Joel's career an example of an "incredible story" that took him from Long Island to "worldwide acclaim."

“Billy has been very cordial and involved in the planning, and it is appropriate the exhibit is on Long Island, where he has long been identified, written so many songs, and lived most of his life," he said. "It is a fitting tribute to Long Island’s most successful entertainer and is guaranteed to thrill his legions of fans.”

The exhibit has been created by renowned designer and LIMEHOF board member Kevin O’Callaghan and included input from Joel.

O'Callaghan called it "a thrill and an honor" to work with him "in creating this extraordinary testament to his life and music."

“It is one of the highlights of my long career and I’m sure visitors will be thrilled with the result,” he said.

The exhibit is sponsored by Catholic Health, The Joel Foundation, Madison Square Garden Entertainment, Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, The Haugland Group, M&T Bank, The EGC Group, and Lessing’s Hospitality.

Senior Vice President of Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer of Catholic Health Joe Carofano said staffers are very proud to sponsor the exhibit.

"The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame and Catholic Health all share a common love of Long Island; its spirit, its heritage, and its unique character," he said. "Our roots are intertwined, bringing us together to celebrate the joy of life that Long Island inspires in all of us.”