Two Billy Joel Tributes Honor New York’s Utmost Piano Man
Rufus Wainwright and Natalie Merchant were among those covering Billy Joel at Carnegie Hall — but where was ‘New York State of Mind?’
By WILL FRIEDWALD
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WILL FRIEDWALD
New York, New York
Will Friedwald is a Contributor for the Sun.
Mr. Friedwald writes about music and popular culture for The New York Sun and other publications. The host of the radio show ‘Sing! Sing! Sing!’ on San Diego KSDS on Saturday mornings, he also is the author of 10 books. He has written more than 600 liner notes for compact discs, received 11 Grammy nominations, and appears frequently on television and in documentaries.
Latest Articles
‘The Muppet Show’ Returns — and Is the Best New TV Event of the Year
The last great television variety show roars back into life with the help of Sabrina Carpenter.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
‘Hoppers’ Is the Best Pixar Film of the Decade
‘Hoppers’ has everything you want in a Pixar project — an original concept, engaging storyline, memorable characters, and witty dialogue.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
‘Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man’ Explores an Entertainment Legend Still in His Comedic Prime
Mel Brooks’ reaction to a question on an episode of “Jeopardy” illustrated how sustained and successful his comedic career has been.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
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Melissa Errico’s Lush ‘Dream’ World Redefines the Great American Songbook
Melissa Errico’s latest solo album “I Can Dream, Can’t I” pays homage to Joni Mitchell and Peggy Lee.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
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Mardi Gras Musical Festivities Transcend Geography and Genre
The musical temperature in New Orleans was hotter than ever during Mardi Gras, with performances from Julie Benko, Jason Yeager, and 86-year-old Gary U.S. Bonds leading the way.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
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‘High Spirits’ Brings a Forgotten Musical Back From the Dead
City Center Encores! stages an intimate and modest seven role show that is well worth another look.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
Remembering Ken Peplowski — a Jazz Artist Who Had ‘Big Ears’
Equally proficient on tenor sax and clarinet, Peplowski (1959-2026) could fit into any setting.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
Ute Lemper Channels Marlene Dietrich To Mark the Diva’s 125th Birthday
On stage at 54 Below, Ms. Lemper recalls a 1987 encounter with La Marlene and proceeds to become her at various stages of her life.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
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In Print, as in His Music, Marc Shaiman’s Storytelling Skills Stand Out
In his memoir ‘Never Mind the Happy,’ the talented composer of film and Broadway hits demonstrates he is also a master of narrative.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
Exploration of Ellington’s Bond With Africa Provides Highlight of JALCO Season
There was a clear attitude in the atmosphere that this was as good as jazz — and music in general — ever gets.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
New Versions of ‘A Chorus Line’ Anthem Showcase Flexibility of American Jazz Songbook
The two interpretations of the classic ‘One’ are different but equally thrilling.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture