Alexa Ray Joel is giving Billy Joel: And So It Goes five stars. Ahead of the release of the two-part HBO documentary, Billy Joel’s 39-year-old daughter took to Instagram to rave about the “astounding” film.
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In her post, which featured photos the singer with her dad, Alexa revealed that she watched the film early with her mom, Christie Brinkley. Billy and Christie were married from 1985 to 1994.
Alexa explained that part one of the documentary explores Billy’s “early beginnings and how he broke through as an artist.” In part two, meanwhile, both Alexa and Christie appear.
Watching the documentary, Alexa revealed, was “an emotional whirlwind” for both her and her mom.
“We laughed, we cried… we relived many beautiful, poignant, painful, and bittersweetly-nostalgic family memories,” she wrote. “This is a fearlessly raw, reeling, and shockingly intimate portrait of my father.”
Even the most dedicated Piano Man fans will take away something new from the film, Alexa assured.
“The deeply layered narrative insights into Dad’s richly-textured history left me stunned,” she wrote. “And here I thought I knew everything there was to know about him. You don’t know ‘til you watch this!”
Alexa continued her post by praising her “one-of-a-kind-father” on his “masterpiece in true storytelling.”
“I know you’re not all that impressed or intrigued with yourself,” she wrote, “but the rest of us certainly are.”
“If you’re interested in the full story behind my father’s complex background, lineage, and personal life… not to mention, his timeless musical perspective and artistry: this is a must-watch,” Alexa concluded. “Don’t miss it.”
What to Know About Billy Joel: And So It Goes
In addition to Alexa and Christie’s appearance in the film, Billy’s current wife, Alexis, and ex-wives Elizabeth Weber and Katie Lee, will appear. Musicians including Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Pink, Sting, John Mellencamp, Garth Brooks, and Nas will also be featured.
On top of all of that, of course, will be interviews with Billy himself. There will also be never-before-seen performances, home movies, and personal photographs.
“For those who think they know Joel’s story, as well as those who are not as familiar, I believe this two-part film is both a revelation and a surprise,” Susan Lacy, who directed and produced the film, said. “I was drawn to his story as someone who knew little at the outset, and was astounded at how autobiographical his songs are and how complex his story is. We are gratified that Bill trusted us with his story, which we have told as honestly as possible, diving into territory which has not been explored before.”
Part one of Billy Joel: And So It Goes will premiere July 18 on HBO Max. Part two of the documentary will hit the streaming service on July 25.
Photo by Myrna M. Suarez/Getty Images
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