Legendary musician Billy Joel has shared an emotional tribute to Jon Small, his former bandmate and lifelong friend who recently passed away. In a heartfelt social media post, Joel described the profound impact of Small’s death, stating that the loss affected him in unprecedented ways and that he struggles to envision a world without his close companion.
The two musicians shared a deep history spanning decades. Joel and Small first worked together as young aspiring artists in the 1960s, performing in the Hassles before forming the hard-rock duo Attila in the late sixties. Their partnership represented a pivotal moment in both their careers, as they made the bold decision to pursue music professionally together. Though their musical collaboration eventually ended, their personal bond endured through life’s many changes and challenges.
Beyond their early musical ventures, Small played an instrumental role in Joel’s later career, contributing to several of his most significant projects. Small worked on multiple concert films featuring the Piano Man and directed the music video for “Baby Grand.” Joel emphasized that Small’s contributions extended far beyond the professional realm, crediting his friend with saving his life in both literal and figurative ways.
In his tribute, Joel described Small as kind, humble, and immensely talented, noting that while his friend will be remembered for his artistic achievements, those closest to him will treasure the love and compassion he shared throughout his life.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
About the Author
