Mayor Adams Awards Key to the City of New York to Legendary New York Musician and Philanthropist Billy Joel

July 26, 2024

Key to the City of New York Celebration Comes as Joel Ends Historic Monthly Residency at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams last night awarded a Key to the City of New York to New York musician and philanthropist Billy Joel for his decades of contribution to popular music and service to the city. From his iconic songs that serve as anthems for the city to his extensive contribution to philanthropic causes, Joel’s influence and dedication to New York is unparalleled. More than 10 years after being named Madison Square Garden’s first-ever music franchise, Joel last night concluded his record-breaking monthly residency with his 150th lifetime performance at the venue. 

“For more than half a century, Billy Joel has put us all in a New York State of Mind, telling timeless tales about weary musicians, love and loss, and the ever-changing political times,” said Mayor Adams. “A native New Yorker, Billy is one of the most celebrated musicians of all-time and turned one of the world’s most iconic venues, Madison Square Garden, into his second home, playing monthly for more than 10 years, contributing to a record-breaking 150 lifetime shows. Offstage, Billy has also left a lasting legacy, starting Charity Begins at Home to lend a helping hand to those in need across the tri-state area. Today, I am honored to celebrate the Piano Man himself — Billy Joel — with a Key to the City of New York.”

When presented with the Key to the City backstage at MSG prior to the final residency show, Joel said, “This is a dream come true. It really is.”

Billy Joel accepts the Key to the City of New York from Mayor Eric Adams.

Joel is one of best-selling artists of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide. Born in the Bronx, Joel is known for his versatile piano playing and storytelling lyrics. Over his illustrious career as a singer-songwriter and pianist, he has received numerous accolades, including six Grammy Awards, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a Tony Award for his contributions to Broadway’s “Movin’ Out” Musical. His timeless hits, such as “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” “New York State of Mind,” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” have left a lasting mark on the music industry and continue to resonate with audiences all across the globe even decades after their release.

Along with music, Joel has made significant contributions to philanthropic causes, including Farm Aid, Elton John AIDS Foundation, GRAMMY Foundation, UNICEF, and countless others. In 1978, Joel established Charity Begins At Home to support charities in the tri-state area that are dedicated to combatting child abuse, domestic violence, autism, and cancer. In addition to his residency run, Joel has also performed alongside other music greats at two of Madison Square Garden’s most extraordinary benefit concerts — “12-12-12, The Concert for Sandy Relief,” which raised awareness and money for those affected by Hurricane Sandy, and “The Concert for New York City,” which was held to help aid 9/11 victims and heroes.

The Key to the City of New York was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French, when he offered “Freedom of the City” to Viscount Edward Cornbury, governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, it became customary to award the Key to the City of New York as a direct symbol of the city's wish that a guest feel free to come and go at will. Today, the Key to the City of New York is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement. 

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