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HangupsMusic.com – New York, NY – The music world mourns the passing of Jon Small, a pivotal figure in Billy Joel’s formative years and a lifelong friend whose influence permeated the legendary artist’s career. Days after Small’s death, the iconic "Piano Man" shared a deeply personal and extensive remembrance, moving beyond an initial social media announcement to articulate the profound impact Small had on his life, both musically and personally. Joel’s tribute paints a vivid picture of a bond forged in adolescence, tested by life’s complexities, and ultimately solidified through an unwavering connection that transcended decades.
Joel’s poignant message underscored the unique relationship he shared with Small, describing him not merely as a friend but as a brother. "Jon was like a brother to me. No matter the distance or how much time passed, we shared a bond that never changed," Joel penned, revealing the enduring nature of their camaraderie. This sentiment speaks volumes about the depth of their connection, highlighting a partnership that began with ambitious teenage dreams and evolved into a foundational force in Joel’s journey to superstardom.
Their story began with a shared audacious dream: to become professional musicians. "Jon and I were just kids when we decided we wanted to become professional musicians together. That decision became a turning point in both of our lives. We took a huge gamble on a life of creativity, without knowing where it would lead us," Joel reflected. This shared aspiration set them on an unconventional path, a risky venture into the unpredictable world of music that would define much of their early lives. It was a leap of faith taken together, a testament to their mutual belief in their artistic talents and a willingness to defy conventional expectations.
Their early musical collaborations laid the groundwork for their careers. In the vibrant, experimental music scene of the 1960s, Joel and Small first joined forces as bandmates in The Hassles. This Long Island-based psychedelic rock group gained some regional recognition, releasing two albums that showcased their raw talent and burgeoning songwriting capabilities. Small, primarily a drummer, provided the rhythmic backbone to Joel’s evolving piano-driven sound. The Hassles era was a crucible for these young musicians, honing their craft in live performances and studio sessions, learning the ropes of the music industry together.
Following the dissolution of The Hassles, Joel and Small embarked on an even more audacious project: the hard-rock duo Attila. Formed in 1970, Attila was a departure from The Hassles’ sound, leaning into a heavier, more organ-centric rock style. Their self-titled debut album, though not a commercial success at the time, remains a fascinating footnote in Joel’s discography, a testament to his versatility and willingness to experiment. Small’s drumming provided a powerful, driving force, complementing Joel’s Hammond organ and vocals. This period represented a deep creative immersion, with the two artists living and breathing their music, often literally under the same roof.
It was during this intense creative period that their lives became intricately, and dramatically, intertwined in ways neither could have foreseen. While working on Attila’s debut and navigating the challenges of aspiring musicians, Joel resided with Small and his wife, Elizabeth Weber. A complex and deeply personal chapter in their shared history unfolded as Joel developed feelings for Weber. This emotional entanglement led to an affair, a profound betrayal that shattered the personal and professional fabric of their lives. The intricate details and emotional fallout of this period were candidly explored in the recent documentary, And So It Goes, offering a rare glimpse into the human complexities behind the music.
The affair had immediate and devastating consequences. It directly led to the breakup of Attila, effectively ending their musical partnership for a time. Joel was evicted from Small’s home, and their cherished best-friendship was temporarily severed. The period that followed was undoubtedly one of immense personal turmoil for all involved. Yet, remarkably, the narrative of their relationship did not end there. Joel and Weber eventually reunited, marrying in 1973, a union that lasted until 1982. This tumultuous period, while painful, ultimately served as a crucible that would, in time, forge an even stronger, albeit different, bond between Joel and Small.
Despite the personal drama and professional separation, the enduring connection between Joel and Small proved resilient. "What we shared went far beyond music or careers. Jon saved my life, metaphorically and physically. Our lives and families became intertwined in ways I could never have imagined when we first met," Joel revealed in his remembrance. This powerful statement hints at moments of profound support and intervention, suggesting that Small played a crucial role in navigating difficult personal crises or professional setbacks that Joel faced, perhaps even preventing more dire outcomes. While the specific instances remain largely private, Joel’s words underscore a debt of gratitude that goes far beyond mere friendship, pointing to a bond of life-saving significance.
True to the depth of their relationship, Joel and Small eventually reconciled, demonstrating the strength of their enduring brotherhood. Their professional collaboration resumed in a new capacity, showcasing Small’s talents behind the camera. Jon Small became an instrumental figure in documenting Billy Joel’s later career, directing several of the Piano Man’s acclaimed concert films, including Live From Long Island and Live at Shea Stadium. These projects allowed Small to contribute his artistic vision to Joel’s monumental performances, capturing the energy and spectacle that define Joel’s live shows. Small also directed the music video for Joel’s poignant duet with Ray Charles, "Baby Grand," further solidifying his role as a trusted creative partner and demonstrating the versatility of his own artistic contributions.
The reconciliation and subsequent professional partnership spoke volumes about their capacity for forgiveness and the profound respect they held for each other’s talents. It was a testament to a friendship that, despite enduring immense strain, proved capable of healing and evolving. Their shared history, rich with triumphs and tribulations, formed an unbreakable foundation. Small’s quiet, steady presence in Joel’s life, both personally and professionally, became a constant, a reminder of their origins and the journey they had navigated together.
Joel’s grief over Small’s passing is palpable. "Losing Jon has hit me in a way I have never experienced. It is difficult to imagine this world without him in it," he confessed, articulating the profound void left by his friend’s absence. This raw emotion reflects not just the loss of a colleague, but the profound sorrow that accompanies the farewell to a lifelong confidant, a partner in crime from their earliest days, and a steadfast presence through all of life’s vicissitudes. It is the type of grief reserved for those rare individuals who shape our very identities.
In his concluding remarks, Joel offered a beautiful tribute to Small’s character and legacy. "Jon was kind, humble, and enormously talented. He will always be remembered for the art he created, but those of us who loved him will remember even more the love he left behind." This portrayal captures the essence of Jon Small: a gifted artist whose contributions to music and visual storytelling were significant, but whose personal qualities—his kindness, humility, and capacity for love—left an even deeper, more lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him. Small’s life, though perhaps not as widely celebrated as Joel’s, was rich with creativity, loyalty, and a profound human connection that ultimately defined his place in the heart of one of music’s most enduring figures. The legacy of Jon Small, therefore, lives on not just in the recordings and films he contributed to, but in the indelible mark he left on Billy Joel and the testament to enduring friendship in the often-fickle world of rock and roll.
