Billy Joel, the iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist, is not just known for his timeless hits like Piano Man, Uptown Girl, and Just the Way You Are—he’s also one of the wealthiest and most enduring figures in the music industry. As of 2025, Billy Joel’s net worth is estimated at $250 million, thanks to his record-breaking tours, royalty earnings, business ventures, and valuable real estate portfolio. Now 75 years old, Joel continues to be both a celebrated musician and savvy investor.
A Musical Career Spanning Decades and Generations
Born William Martin Joel on May 9, 1949, in The Bronx, New York, Joel was raised in Hicksville, Long Island after his family relocated. His passion for music began early—he started piano lessons at age four and joined his first band, The Echoes, at 14. Despite not graduating high school on time, Joel focused on music full-time, a decision that would soon pay off in dramatic fashion.
His first taste of solo success came with the release of “Piano Man” in 1973. The song became his signature track, cementing his reputation as a masterful storyteller with a knack for melodic pop. From there, Joel’s career skyrocketed with critically acclaimed albums like The Stranger (1977), 52nd Street (1978), Glass Houses (1980), and An Innocent Man (1983). Over the years, Joel’s music has sold over 160 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
He has been nominated for 23 Grammys, winning six, and has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Earnings and Touring Power
While Joel stopped releasing new pop albums in the early 1990s, his performance career has remained extremely lucrative. Between June 2017 and June 2018, he earned $45 million, and from 2017 to 2019, his earnings totaled $50 million.
One of his most profitable ventures has been his residency at Madison Square Garden, which began in 2014 and ran through July 2024, concluding with his 100th residency show and 150th lifetime performance at the venue. During this decade-long residency, Joel performed for over two million fans, generating $260 million in gross revenue. Individual shows routinely brought in $2–4 million each, with his 2019 New Year’s Eve concert alone grossing $4.6 million.
Financial Setbacks and Legal Battles
Despite his long-standing financial success, Joel’s wealth hasn’t always been stable. In 1989, he famously sued his former manager and brother-in-law, Frank Weber, for $90 million, alleging mismanagement and fraud involving $30 million of his funds. Though Weber filed for bankruptcy, Joel later settled lawsuits with his accountants and lawyers, recovering $8 million.
Additionally, Joel has gone through multiple divorces, each with its own financial impact. His first marriage to Elizabeth Weber Small ended in 1982, following massive losses from the Weber scandal. His second marriage, to supermodel Christie Brinkley, lasted from 1985 to 1994 and produced his first child, Alexa Ray Joel. His third marriage, to chef Katie Lee, ended in 2009. Since 2015, Joel has been married to Alexis Roderick, with whom he shares two daughters: Della Rose and Remy Anne.
Real Estate Investments and High-End Properties
Beyond music, Joel has built a reputation as a savvy real estate investor. In fact, he’s jokingly referred to himself as the “realtor to the stars” for selling homes to fellow celebrities.
Centre Island, NY
Joel’s most famous property is his 26-acre estate in Centre Island, Long Island, which he began assembling in 2002 for $22.5 million. The estate includes a 20,000-square-foot mansion, helipad, beach house, multiple pools, and expansive water views. In May 2023, he listed the property for $49 million, and in March 2025, he sold a five-acre section of the estate for $8.5 million. That part, known as the gatehouse, included a 5,600-square-foot home.
Sag Harbor, NY
He also owns a seaside home in Sag Harbor, another affluent part of Long Island, which he has kept for years.
Manalapan, Florida
Joel’s real estate activity extends to Manalapan, Florida, where he has made several notable transactions:
- In 2014, he bought two side-by-side properties for just under $12 million and later sold one for $10.3 million in 2020.
- In 2015, he purchased another 13,000-square-foot waterfront estate in the area for $22.5 million, which he listed in January 2024 for $55 million. The price was later reduced to $50 million in March 2024.
Manhattan and Divorce Settlements
Joel also once owned a New York City townhouse, which he purchased in 2006 for $5.9 million. His ex-wife, Katie Lee, received the property in their divorce and later sold it for $12.9 million in 2011.
Later Career, Books, and Honors
Though Joel officially stopped writing pop music in 1993, he did release a classical album in 2001 titled “Fantasies & Delusions”, performed by pianist Richard Hyung-ki Joo. He’s since focused on touring and collaborative performances, including appearances with Elton John and Bruce Springsteen.
In 2011, he published his autobiography, The Book of Joel: A Memoir, with writer Fred Schruers. He was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2013 and has received several honorary doctorates from respected institutions, including Syracuse University and Berklee College of Music.
A Timeless Legacy
As of 2025, Billy Joel’s $250 million net worth reflects not only his legendary music career but also his resilience and strategic investments. From surviving financial ruin in the 1980s to building a real estate empire and becoming a fixture at Madison Square Garden, Joel has proven himself not just as a piano man, but as a master of longevity and reinvention.
With his music continuing to inspire generations and his concerts selling out venues worldwide, Billy Joel’s legacy is secure—not just as a performer, but as a true American icon.