Billy Joel’s pursuit of Christie Brinkley was filled with memorable gestures. Their romance began in January 1983 in St. Barts while Brinkley was taking a break from her relationship with French race car driver Olivier Chandon de Brailles. After Chandon’s tragic death in March, Joel called her daily, sending jokes, poems, and songs to lift her spirits. Brinkley shared these moments in her memoir Uptown Girl, revealing how his kindness and music helped her heal. Their story recalls other celebrity romances on DoYouRemember.com, like the charm of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John during Grease.
According to People, Joel’s thoughtfulness led to a second date that Brinkley would never forget. Their connection deepened through shared laughter and music. The couple’s early moments highlight the power of creative gestures in building intimacy. For Brinkley, music became more than entertainment—it became a bridge to cherished memories.
Inside Time Time The Beach Boys Serenaded Christie Brinkley
On their second date, Joel took Brinkley to a Beach Boys concert in New Jersey. As the band performed “California Girls,” they pointed to her in the front row. The song reminded Brinkley of her childhood in Canoga Park, Los Angeles. She recalled, “Beach Boys songs had blared out of every transistor radio on the beaches where I grew up, overheating car radios up and down the Pacific Coast Highway, and now Billy was bringing all those memories to life for me.” This personalized moment left a lasting impression.
Joel also joined the band on stage. He played “Help Me, Rhonda” and the Beatles’ “Rock and Roll Music.” Brinkley felt entranced by his talent and stage presence. This moment, shared between the couple and the iconic band, highlighted how music strengthened their bond. The experience became one of the most memorable chapters in their early romance.
A Relationship Built on Music and Friendship
Brinkley admitted that Joel’s music played a big role in her attraction. Hearing his songs while knowing him personally intensified her feelings. They married in 1985 and welcomed daughter Alexa Ray Joel. Though they divorced in 1994, their friendship endured. Brinkley wrote, “More than 40 years later, I am still friends with Billy, and I’m forever grateful.”
This moment remains iconic. It shows how thoughtful gestures and shared musical experiences can shape lasting memories. Joel’s charm, combined with his love for music, created a romantic and nostalgic story that fans still cherish. Their early romance continues to inspire, proving that music can connect hearts across decades.