Billy Joel Does Beatlemania His Way

From Wikipedia. //// Thuis is an outgrowth from the previous post from yesterday's This Date in Beatles History. I mentioned that on Feb. 21, 1964, Billy Joel joined the New York-based British Invasion band "Echoes." //// You'll never guess what event influenced his decision. Hint: Feb. 9, 1964. //// Said Joel: "That performance changed my life.... Up to that moment I'd never considered playing rock as a career. And when I saw four guys who didn't look like they'd come out of the Hollywood star mill, who played their own songs and instruments and especially because you could see the look on John Lennon's face...." //// According to Wikipedia, Billy Joel formed the Echoes, not just joined them. His website has a picture of the band with a very young Billy Joel. They specialized in British Invasion covers and became popular in New York. Sure that being a professional musician, he quit high school and let his hair grow. //// The band began recording in 1965. (Dare I go to You Tube to see if there are any Echoes songs? Do I have enough time to do that?) He was hired as a pianist in Bobby Vee's band but got fired right away for refusing to wear a matching jacket. //// In 1965, the Echoes changed their name to the Emeralds. Joel left them in 1967 to join the Hassles. //// Just An Update On the Last Post. --RoadDog