Billy Joel Reveals Wife Alexis Was “Unimpressed” by His Fame When They Met – And That’s Why He Fell for Her

In HBO’s new documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the music legend shares a surprising truth about his first meeting with wife Alexis Roderick – her indifference to his stardom captivated him.

The 76-year-old “Piano Man” recounts trying to impress Alexis, now 43, by playing Rachmaninoff on his piano during their first date, mirroring a scene from Marilyn Monroe’s The Seven-Year Itch. “She was completely unimpressed,” Joel reveals in the film. “Totally. She couldn’t care less what I was playing.”

That reaction became the turning point. “She was very unimpressed with the whole Billy Joel thing, which impressed me,” he admits. “I thought, ‘Maybe she’s just here because she likes me, not the Billy Joel guy.’”

At the time, Billy Joel was hesitant about new relationships after divorcing third wife Katie Lee. But with Alexis, “something popped,” reigniting his openness to love. The couple connected through phone calls and emails after that fateful meeting, eventually marrying in 2015. They now share daughters Della, 9, and Remy, 7.

Alexis appears in the documentary, recalling their early years: “We traveled everywhere… a motorcycle trip from Maine to Long Island, boats 24/7, Europe.” She fondly remembers Joel cooking dinners while she worked in finance, calling their pre-children era “so much fun.”

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Recently, Alexis has been a crucial support for Joel as he manages normal pressure hydrocephalus, a treatable brain condition. His longtime booking agent Dennis Arfa notes in the film: “I’m so happy to see Billy raising his children and being so in love with them and Alexis… He’s had to deal with adversity, but this chapter is rewarding.”

Joel echoes this contentment: “I’m really enjoying this time in my life.”

Billy Joel: And So It Goes (streaming on HBO Max) offers a rare look at Joel’s private journey through fame, substance abuse, mental health struggles, and ultimate peace with family.