Diverse Artists Honor Billy Joel at Emotional Carnegie Hall Tribute

Rufus Wainwright, Rob Thomas, Yola, and more pay tribute to the Piano Man at star-studded concert

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:55pm

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On March 12, 2026, a star-studded lineup of artists including Rufus Wainwright, Rob Thomas, Yola, Itzhak Perlman, and Billy Joel's daughter Alexa Ray Joel performed his music at a tribute concert held at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Though Joel himself did not take the stage, he was in attendance and visibly moved by the outpouring of love for his iconic songbook. The concert, part of the Music Of series, raised money for music education charities.

Why it matters

The Carnegie Hall tribute highlighted Billy Joel's enduring legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. Despite his health challenges in recent years, the concert proved that Joel's music continues to resonate and inspire a new generation of artists across genres.

The details

The diverse lineup of performers tackled both Joel's biggest hits like "Uptown Girl" and "Piano Man" as well as deeper cuts like "I Got to Extremes" and "The Downeaster Alexa." Highlights included Natalie Merchant's stripped-back version of "Allentown," Wyclef Jean's freestyle rap on "My Life," and the band nailing the rarely played "Get It Right the First Time." Though Joel himself did not perform, his longtime touring band served as the house band for the evening.

  • The tribute concert took place on March 12, 2026 at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
  • Joel's last live appearance was a two-song performance with a Billy Joel tribute act in Wellington, Florida on January 2.

The players

Billy Joel

An iconic American singer-songwriter and pianist, known for hit songs like "Piano Man," "Uptown Girl," and "We Didn't Start the Fire."

Alexa Ray Joel

Billy Joel's daughter, who performed a rendition of "This Night" at the tribute concert.

Music Of

A concert series founded by City Winery's Michael Dorf that has raised over $2 million for music education charities over the past 20 years.

Phil Ramone

The producer who discovered Billy Joel and produced his breakout album The Stranger in 1977.

Mike DelGuidice

Billy Joel's longtime touring guitarist and singer, who was absent from the tribute concert due to other commitments.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like in 2026, it's hard to find anything we agree on. That's what the world likes to tell us, that we're not all on the same fuckin' team. But tonight, on March 12, I think we can all agree that Billy Joel is a master songwriting legend...and I'm about to pass out, I'm so excited.”

— Matt Nathanson, Musician

“Dad, I want to dedicate this song to you, my musical hero, you and Beethoven. I also want to dedicate this song to my mother, who is my golden muse. Thank you for making me.”

— Alexa Ray Joel, Musician, Billy Joel's daughter

“This song is so wonderful to sing, especially when you have a daughter yourself, which I do. I'm thinking of her tonight.”

— Rufus Wainwright, Musician

“If the 10-year-old version of myself could see me right now. When I started playing piano, the first thing my parents gave me was Billy Joel's Greatest Hits Volumes 1 and 2. It became my bible.”

— Andrew McMahon, Musician

“Health comes first. I said, 'If you're going to perform again, please stay seated at the piano. No throwing the microphone stand around!'”

— Alexa Ray Joel, Musician, Billy Joel's daughter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This tribute concert highlighted Billy Joel's enduring impact as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, with a diverse array of artists coming together to celebrate his iconic catalog. Despite his health challenges in recent years, Joel's music continues to resonate and inspire new generations, proving the timelessness of his artistry.