Paul Wichansky and Billy Joel
Dreams do come true, but they are not realized without intense effort and also the relentless pursuit of your goal.
My own dream of meeting Billy Joel was fulfilled in the evening of Thursday, April 11th, 1996, at the University of Delaware. The time was about 7PM that evening, and Billy was getting ready to host another of his Master Classes at the university.
During the 1995-1996 academic year, Billy Joel visited various colleges and universities here on the East Coast, hosting a lecture circuit aimed at young amateur musicians. Aptly called his Master Classes, Billy designed these lectures to provide some insight into the music industry, answering questions related to his varied music styles, and encouraging young performers to continue doing what each student loved to do.
At each lecture, he was always flanked by baby-grand pianos and electronic organs, which assisted him in getting his point across for those questions he could not adequately answer in words. Billy would often sit behind the piano and play parts of one of his songs, or even the entire song, often always followed by audience cheering and applause.
I had the opportunity to attend three such Master Classes that year, each one at a different university. Because I am not comfortable attending the lecture alone, I always brought a friend along so that I was able to share the experience. At the first Master Class I attended at Trenton State College, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Maritime Music had reserved two complimentary seats for me and my friend Stuart. There, I had the opportunity to personally ask Billy a question pertaining to the song I loved, "Just The Way You Are," and much to my delight, Billy played the first two verses of this song for me. I guess that it was Billy's way of reminding me that I still very much had the inspiration and hope necessary to conquer my physical challenges!
At the second Master Class, a million thanks go to Mr. Richard Bowman, an avid Cessna pilot who is the Manager of Financial Services at the University of Delaware. His generosity and contagious enthusiasm helped me realize my dream of actually meeting the Piano Man backstage before the lecture started. You see, Richard clearly understood my passion for educating young students in central New Jersey schools. In much the same way, Billy Joel was visiting colleges with the passion for educating young musicians. My meeting with Billy Joel confirmed my faith in the future: this short guy with a huge heart creates timeless masterpieces that enrich as well as provide true inspiration to the lives of each one of us.
James
The following discussion refers to the man who influenced Billy Joel to write a song about his friend's circumstances at the time. The song is titled, James, and is featured on the Turnstiles album (1976) by Billy Joel. Certain facts about James will not be revealed here, in order to maintain privacy.
My uncle knows that I enjoy listening to Billy Joel, and he informed me that one of his classmates, James, played in Billy Joel's band. This band was prior to Attila or the Hassles, and did not record any studio albums. I have consulted the Billy Joel FAQ and James name is not listed.
Since my uncle graduated from the Pennsylvania School of Optometry in 1975, I was beginning to wonder if Billy Joel's song, James, was referring to my uncle's classmate. The year that my uncle graduated was prior to the release of the Turnstiles album, so the timeline appeared right.
I telephoned James during the summer of 1998 and learned that he is now an optometrist working in Colorado. James has such a clear, crisp voice that I had to commend him on his excellent speaking mannerisms! Responding to my inquiry, James also confirmed that Billy Joel's song on the Turnstiles album was indeed about him.
James also told me that he is now comfortable in his profession, and to give his regards to my uncle. I guess that James has now found release, and has since written his masterpiece!
In a subsequent personal letter written to Maritime Music, I included an explanation of how I got in touch with James, and also included his current Colorado address and telephone number in case Billy wanted to get in touch with him again. Maritime thanked me for the contact information in a personal letter I received from them, and assured me that Billy was in contact with James! I appreciate the fact that Maritime sent me a letter, and also took the time to visit my personal web site!
Turnstiles, Billy Joel, concerts, Piano Man, pictures
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