Billy Joel says dad 'knocked me out for playing 'Moonlight Sonata incorrectly

In his HBO documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes," Billy Joel recounted a traumatic childhood experience where his father knocked him unconscious for playing Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" in a rock-inspired style. Joel's sister, Judy Molinari, explained that their father, Howard, failed to recognize Billy's musical talent and insisted on strict classical interpretations. The incident left Joel with a vivid memory of being punished for expressing his creativity, leading him to remark, "Well, that got his attention. " He also shared that he never witnessed his parents having fun during his childhood, describing a tense atmosphere filled with arguments. The divorce of his parents in the 1950s brought relief to him and Judy, as it ended the conflict at home.

Howard moved to Europe after the divorce, which limited Billy's relationship with him until they reconnected in Joel's early twenties. The documentary's first installment is now available on HBO Max, with the second episode premiering on July 25. Joel's experiences reflect on the complex dynamics of family and artistic expression.