Jon Small, Billy Joel's Early Bandmate, Dies; Friendship Shaped Musician's Beginnings

Jon Small, a key figure in Billy Joel's early musical career, has died, as announced by Joel himself via social media. Small was a bandmate of the "Piano Man" in groups like The Hassles and the hard-rock duo Attila. At the time the news broke, his age and the exact cause of death had not been revealed, as reported by Rolling Stone. His passing leaves a mark on the personal and musical history of one of America's greatest songwriters.

Early Years in Long Island Rock

The story of Jon Small and Billy Joel dates back to the vibrant 1960s, a period of musical effervescence across the United States. It was during this decade that both musicians shared their first experiences in the world of rock, becoming part of the band The Hassles. Together, they explored stages across Long Island and New York, laying the groundwork for what would become a stellar career for Joel. The era's influences, from psychedelic rock to garage rock, were evident in their sound.

After The Hassles, their collaboration continued and deepened when they formed Attila, a hard-rock duo that showcased a rawer, heavier side of Joel. This project released its debut album in 1970, a record that today is part of the musical canon of those years, presenting a different facet of Joel before his breakthrough as a solo artist known for ballads and pop hits. That period, though brief, was fundamental for both musicians' artistic experimentation.

A Friendship Tested by Love

Small and Joel's relationship was not only professional but also deeply personal, and at times, challenging. The breaking point, which severely tested the strength of their bond, arrived when Billy Joel fell in love with Elizabeth Weber, Small's wife, while living with the couple. This complex love triangle, which would years later be explored in the documentary "And So It Goes," had immediate and painful consequences for everyone involved.

"Elizabeth was very important to me, but I think I was not the guy she hoped I would be," Small confessed in the documentary, recalling the moments before the discovery. "I kept seeing that Billy was not the same guy. Something was the matter. And Billy one day came up to me, became a little honest, and said to me, 'I’m in love with your wife.'" Small described that moment as "very devastating," as these were "basically my two best friends," a personal betrayal that also impacted their musical project. The situation led to Attila's breakup and Joel being evicted from Small's house, marking a temporary cessation of their friendship. Joel, for his part, expressed deep guilt over what happened. He felt "like a homewrecker" and acknowledged that the punch he received from Small was deserved. "Jon was very upset. I was very upset," Joel added, revealing the emotional turmoil of that period.

The Path to Reconciliation and New Collaborations

Despite the painful initial rift, the friendship between Small and Joel eventually found a path toward reconciliation. Small shared in "And So It Goes" that, although Joel never really offered a formal explanation, his own practical conclusion was that "Billy took it so hard was because he loved me that much and that it killed him to hurt me that much." This mutual understanding allowed the wound to heal. Eventually, Small forgave Joel, demonstrating the strength and depth of their bond.

Elizabeth Weber and Billy Joel married in 1973, a marriage that lasted until 1982. Years later, with Joel established as a superstar, Small and Joel worked together again, this time with Small behind the camera. Demonstrating a remarkable ability to reinvent himself, Small directed iconic concert films for Joel, such as "Live From Long Island" and "Live at Shea Stadium," which captured key moments of his career and are now historical documents of his live performances. He also directed the music video for the song "Baby Grand," one of the "Piano Man's" ballads. His directorial talent was not limited to Joel; he also directed videos for other major American music artists, including country star Reba McEntire, Latin pop icon Enrique Iglesias, and the popular country duo Brooks and Dunn, thus solidifying a diversified career in the music industry.

Why it matters

The passing of Jon Small closes an important chapter in music history, particularly for those who followed the beginnings and evolution of Billy Joel. His figure not only represents an essential part of Joel's early musical formation but also serves as a poignant testament to the complexity of personal and professional relationships that often intertwine in the world of art and entertainment. His life was an example of how deep bonds can break and then be rebuilt, and his work as a musician and director left a legacy that extends beyond notes and images, offering an intimate look into the challenges, passions, and reconciliations that shape creative lives.