Billy Joel's life is getting the biopic treatment in the upcoming film Piano Man, but there's one major caveat: The filmmakers can't use the singer's music or likeness. On March 10, Variety reported that Adam Ripp is set to direct a movie about the beloved singer and his two-year partnership with music manager Irwin Mazur. According to the outlet, the Jaigantic Studios film will explore Joel's time with the short lived band The Hassles and the 1972 performance of the song "Captain Jack" that landed him a deal with Clive Davis' Columbia Records. In a statement, Ripp said, "Billy Joel has been a part of my life since my father signed...
- 3/11/2022
- E! Online
A Billy Joel biopic is on its way — and the Piano Man himself has nothing to do with it. On Wednesday, Michael Jai White’s Jaigantic Studios greenlit the film, titled Piano Man, despite Joel refusing to grant rights to his music, name, and likeness.
A rep for the singer tells Rolling Stone that “Billy Joel is not involved with this film project” and that he has no plans to give access to his music and life story.
The film will follow the singer’s early life since being discovered...
A rep for the singer tells Rolling Stone that “Billy Joel is not involved with this film project” and that he has no plans to give access to his music and life story.
The film will follow the singer’s early life since being discovered...
- 3/10/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
A Billy Joel biopic titled “Piano Man” is in the works at Michael Jai White’s Jaigantic Studios, with Adam Ripp attached to write and direct.
The biopic will follow Joel’s early years — from being discovered by his first manager Irwin Mazur at age 16, to playing in a Long Island cover band in the 1960s, to his breakout performance in 1972 that captured the attention of Clive Davis.
However, Billy Joel’s rep says that Joel is not involved with this film project, and that no rights in music, name/likeness or life story will be granted.
Instead, Jaigantic has acquired the life rights to Mazur, who managed Joel from 1965 to 1972, the year before his commercial breakthrough. Joel’s hit album and song “Piano Man” were released in 1973.
Music needs for the film are “yet to be determined,” according to the producers.
“Piano Man” will be executive produced by Jaigantic Studios with producers White,...
The biopic will follow Joel’s early years — from being discovered by his first manager Irwin Mazur at age 16, to playing in a Long Island cover band in the 1960s, to his breakout performance in 1972 that captured the attention of Clive Davis.
However, Billy Joel’s rep says that Joel is not involved with this film project, and that no rights in music, name/likeness or life story will be granted.
Instead, Jaigantic has acquired the life rights to Mazur, who managed Joel from 1965 to 1972, the year before his commercial breakthrough. Joel’s hit album and song “Piano Man” were released in 1973.
Music needs for the film are “yet to be determined,” according to the producers.
“Piano Man” will be executive produced by Jaigantic Studios with producers White,...
- 3/9/2022
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
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