Includes bibliographical references and index.

I: Origins: the ballad of Billy the kid . Living here in Levittown ; Piano kid ; Tomorrow is today -- II: Breaking through: they say there's a heaven for those who will wait. Say hello to Hollywood ; Sing us a song ; Goodbye to Hollywood ; Just the way I am ; Everybody's talkin' 'bout the new sound ; Uptown girls ; Christie Lee -- III. Paying the price: it's all or nothing at all. Storm front ; The river of dreams ; The night is still young ; Movin' out, again ; A wild and restless man ; Goodnight, Shea Stadium ; Another day comes to an end ; Careless talk -- IV: A legend in his time: ain't it sweet after all these years. The idol of my age ; I've loved these days.

Schruers provides an unfettered look at into Billy Joel's journey from a pint-sized kid growing up in a cookie-cutter Long Island suburb to a rockstar of monumental success, and the person that remains behind his iconic status.