ROCK MOMENT – Billy Joel ‘Big Shot’
The Story Behind Billy Joel’s ‘Big Shot‘
By the late 1970s, Billy Joel had become one of America’s most exciting singer-songwriters. With The Stranger (1977), he broke through to superstardom, and his follow-up album, 52nd Street (1978), was highly anticipated. Among its standout tracks was ‘Big Shot,‘ a biting satire that remains one of Joel’s sharpest and most theatrical songs.
Inspiration in New York
The idea for ‘Big Shot‘ came from Joel’s observations of New York’s nightlife during an era when Studio 54 and celebrity parties dominated the cultural scene. He was fascinated—and irritated—by the arrogance and pretension that often surrounded wealth and status. To capture this attitude, Joel wrote from the perspective of someone addressing a former acquaintance who had let vanity consume them. Rumors quickly spread that the inspiration came from Joel’s encounters with Bianca Jagger, then-wife of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, though Joel has kept those stories at arm’s length.
Writing and Recording
In the summer of 1978, Joel crafted ‘Big Shot‘ with lyrics dripping in sarcasm. His driving piano riff mimicked the swagger of the character he was mocking, while his vocal delivery was sharp and theatrical. Recording at A&R Studios in New York, Joel worked with producer Phil Ramone and his band, including Liberty DeVitto on drums. A brass section added punch, giving the track both a rock and jazz flavor that suited the mood perfectly.
Release and Success
Released as the second single from 52nd Street in January 1979, ‘Big Shot‘ quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 14. While not Joel’s biggest hit, it became one of his most memorable, thanks to its bold mix of sarcasm, humor, and biting social commentary.
Legacy
Over four decades later, ‘Big Shot‘ remains a staple of Joel’s live performances, where he often delivers it with playful exaggeration to underscore its satirical edge. The track is not just a snapshot of late-1970s New York excess—it’s also proof of Joel’s talent for turning observation into timeless art. Equal parts rock anthem and cautionary tale, ‘Big Shot‘ captures the bravado of an era while showcasing Joel’s unmatched ability to blend storytelling, satire, and songcraft.
