Here's one that snuck under our radar — Billy Joel and his wife Alexis took time out to show their pride and admiration with good friend, Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his even hand and good work in steering New York through the Coronavirus pandemic. Cuomo and Billy are particularly tight, sharing a love of motorcycles, with the Governor officiating Billy and Alexis' wedding and serving as the godfather to their daughters Della and Remy.
Billy had a deep connection to the Governor's father, the late-Gov. Mario Cuomo, first meeting him in 1989 when he helped raise awareness to the plight of the Long Island Baymen, a group of local New York fishermen “who were losing their livelihood because of a commercial fishing ban on striped bass and the dwindling scallop trade.”
A message was posted on BillyJoel.com which reads in full:
Special Note From Billy & Alexis Joel
Billy and I wanted to send a message to let everyone know that we are doing well. Thank you for all the well-wishes to our family and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone suffering from this terrible virus. While in quarantine, like most of us, we have been watching the news. We are so proud of Governor Cuomo, he is family to us. He is the Godfather of our daughters, Della and Remy, and we chose him knowing what a strong and steady presence he would be in their lives. He was the first person at the hospital when Della was born and has never missed a birthday, Christmas or any special moment. No matter how busy he is, he’s always there.
This is far worse than anyone could’ve imagined, especially in New York State, demonstrating authority and compassion, he is such a dedicated man. We are not at all surprised by his leadership during such a chaotic time and we are so proud of him. We’re lucky to call him “The Godfather,” his favorite title, and our friend.
Stay safe and healthy!
Love,
Billy and Alexis
Billy Joel having an ongoing residency at Madison Square Garden makes perfect sense to the “Piano Man” as the Bronx-born, Long Island-raised singer/songwriter says the “Big Apple” is in his blood: “I like being identified as a 'New York' singer, sure, New York is a very special place to me; it's my Disneyland! I know I'm not on the cutting edge of what a New York music scene would be, I'm sort of old hat. But I hope, to an extent, that I've synthesized what New York music is. There's a jazz influence, there's a folksinger, there's rhythm & blues, and soul music. My influence has been from New York radio and most of my life, New York radio has been an influx of many, many different kinds of music. And perhaps, I've synthesized what New York radio (is) necessarily, not New York music so much.”
Billy Joel's next scheduled show is set for June 6th at Madison Square Garden.
