More Movies Should Use Billy Joel Music

Last night, I once again saw Billy Joel in concert. My first ever concert was Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden, so it only felt appropriate to be at his second to last MSG residency show. Hell, it’s almost as if he knew I was coming, because he threw in a cover of Born to Run during the set. Yes, he did a Bruce Springsteen song for me. It was a wonderful evening, full of classic rock and roll hits. It got me thinking, too. Why don’t we hear more of his music in movies?

Of course, I have a special relationship with the artist because he was my mom’s favorite musician. I wrote here about what his Grammy performance and new song meant to me, both in terms of the song’s meaning, as well as how it makes me think of my mother. Even removed from that emotional aspect, listening to Turn the Lights Back On, you know it’s only a matter of time before a film utilizes it.

I previously did a more expansive look at Springsteen music on screen here, but Joel deserves a similar treatment. The thing is, when you look at the soundtracks he’s shown up on, they’re not always using him to his full extent. There have been a few television shows utilizing a tune of his for their title track, but The Boss obviously gets more respect on the big screen. Billy really deserves to not be far behind, however.

The best use on screen so far for his music has, interestingly enough, been Judd Apatow‘s Trainwreck. Apatow and star/writer Amy Schumer have both Uptown Girl and A Matter of Trust show up, with the former actually a light plot point. It’s clever and efficient, something more artists should do when considering whether or not to use Joel, and moreover, once they do use him.

Billy Joel has so many options, I can’t believe more films don’t use Keeping the Faith, Vienna, or any number of other jams. I heard them last night at the show. I’ve heard them all my life. We all know them. So many of us love them. Why movies aren’t following along in that same regard is a mystery to me. I just know that they should. If you have the ability to see him in concert, don’t miss out, as you’ll be just as inspired as I am here…

What are your favorite uses of Billy Joel music in movies?