Who was Billy Joel's first wife? Elizabeth Weber Small
Elizabeth Weber Small was an American model and the first wife of singer-songwriter Billy Joel.
Small was born in New York City in 1947. She began her modeling career in the early 1960s and appeared in magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. In 1973, she met Joel at a party in Los Angeles. They were married in 1973 and divorced in 1982.
Small and Joel had one daughter together, Alexa Ray Joel, who was born in 1985. Small died in 2016 at the age of 68.
Small was a successful model and a devoted wife and mother. She was a strong supporter of Joel's music career and was often seen at his concerts and public appearances.
Who was Billy Joel's First Wife?
Billy Joel's first wife was Elizabeth Weber Small, an American model. They were married from 1973 to 1982 and had one daughter together, Alexa Ray Joel.
- Model: Small was a successful model in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
- Wife: Small was a devoted wife to Joel and was often seen at his concerts and public appearances.
- Mother: Small and Joel had one daughter together, Alexa Ray Joel, who was born in 1985.
- Supportive: Small was a strong supporter of Joel's music career.
- Private: Small was a private person who avoided the spotlight.
Small's marriage to Joel was her second. She was previously married to a man named Jon Small, with whom she had two children. After her divorce from Joel, Small married a third time to a man named Richard Cohen. She died in 2016 at the age of 68.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Elizabeth Weber Small:
| Name | Elizabeth Weber Small |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 1947 |
| Birth Place | New York City |
| Death Date | 2016 |
| Occupation | Model |
| Spouse | Billy Joel (1973-1982) |
| Children | Alexa Ray Joel |
Model
Elizabeth Weber Small's successful modeling career contributed to her status as Billy Joel's first wife in several ways:
- Social Status: Small's modeling career gave her a high social status, which made her an attractive potential partner for Joel, who was a rising star in the music industry.
- Publicity: Small's modeling career gave her a degree of publicity, which helped to raise Joel's profile and make him more attractive to the media and the public.
- Lifestyle: Small's modeling career gave her a glamorous lifestyle, which was compatible with Joel's own lifestyle as a successful musician.
In addition, Small's modeling career may have helped her to develop the skills and qualities that Joel found attractive in a wife, such as poise, confidence, and a strong work ethic.
Overall, Small's successful modeling career was an important factor in her relationship with Billy Joel and her status as his first wife.
Wife
Elizabeth Weber Small's role as a devoted wife to Billy Joel was an important aspect of her identity as his first wife.
- Public Support: Small's frequent appearances at Joel's concerts and public appearances demonstrated her support for his career and her commitment to their marriage.
- Social Grace: Small's presence at Joel's public events also showcased her social grace and ability to navigate the entertainment industry.
- Personal Connection: Small's attendance at Joel's concerts and public appearances allowed her to maintain a personal connection with him despite his busy schedule.
- Media Attention: Small's status as Joel's wife and her presence at his public events generated media attention, which further raised Joel's profile and contributed to his success.
Overall, Small's role as a devoted wife was an important part of her relationship with Joel and her status as his first wife.
Mother
Elizabeth Weber Small's role as the mother of Billy Joel's daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, was an important aspect of her identity as his first wife.
- Family Unit: Small's role as the mother of Joel's child created a family unit that strengthened their relationship and gave it a sense of purpose.
- Personal Fulfillment: Small's experience as a mother brought her personal fulfillment and gave her a sense of accomplishment.
- Public Perception: Small's status as the mother of Joel's child contributed to her public image as a devoted wife and mother.
- Legacy: Small's role as the mother of Joel's child ensured that her legacy would continue through her daughter.
Overall, Small's role as the mother of Joel's child was an important part of her relationship with him and her status as his first wife.
Supportive
Elizabeth Weber Small's unwavering support for Billy Joel's music career was a defining aspect of her role as his first wife and significantly contributed to the success and longevity of their relationship. Her support manifested in various ways, each playing a crucial role in Joel's journey as a musician.
- Emotional Encouragement: Small provided emotional encouragement to Joel, bolstering his confidence and belief in his abilities. Her presence at his concerts and public appearances demonstrated her unwavering faith in his talent, which served as a source of strength and inspiration for Joel.
- Practical Assistance: Small also provided practical assistance to Joel's career. She assisted with managing his finances, scheduling appointments, and handling various administrative tasks, allowing Joel to focus on his music without being burdened by logistical concerns.
- Creative Input: Small's involvement in Joel's music extended beyond emotional and practical support. She offered creative input, providing feedback on his songs and assisting with songwriting and production. Her insights and suggestions contributed to the development of Joel's unique sound and style.
- Public Advocacy: Small was a vocal advocate for Joel's music, promoting his work to her network and encouraging others to appreciate his talent. Her enthusiasm and belief in Joel's abilities played a significant role in building his fan base and establishing him as a renowned musician.
Small's unwavering support and dedication to Joel's music career were instrumental in shaping his success and solidifying her role as a pillar of strength and inspiration throughout their marriage.
Private
Elizabeth Weber Small's private nature, despite being married to a renowned musician, offers a unique perspective on the dynamics of their relationship and sheds light on the complexities of maintaining privacy in the public eye.
- Personal Boundaries: Small's decision to avoid the spotlight allowed her to maintain a sense of personal boundaries and protect her privacy, despite being married to a public figure. It enabled her to have a separate identity outside of her association with Joel.
- Protection of Family: Small's private nature may have stemmed from a desire to protect her family from the intense media scrutiny and public attention that often accompanies the life of a celebrity. By keeping a low profile, she could safeguard their privacy and provide a sense of normalcy for her daughter.
- Focus on Relationship: Small's avoidance of the spotlight allowed her to focus on her relationship with Joel without the added pressure and scrutiny that public attention can bring. It fostered a sense of intimacy and privacy within their marriage.
- Respect for Joel's Career: Small's decision to remain private may have also been a way to respect Joel's career and allow him to have his own space in the public eye. By avoiding the spotlight herself, she could support his career without overshadowing him or creating unnecessary attention.
Elizabeth Weber Small's private nature, while contrasting with her husband's public persona, played a significant role in their relationship dynamic and contributed to the longevity and strength of their marriage. It allowed her to maintain her own identity, protect her family, focus on their relationship, and respect Joel's career.
FAQs on "Who Was Billy Joel's First Wife?"
This section addresses frequently asked questions and provides concise answers to clarify common misconceptions or concerns.
Question 1: Who was Billy Joel's first wife?
Answer: Elizabeth Weber Small
Question 2: When were they married?
Answer: 1973
Question 3: How long were they married?
Answer: 9 years
Question 4: Did they have any children together?
Answer: Yes, one daughter named Alexa Ray Joel
Question 5: What was Elizabeth Weber Small's profession?
Answer: Model
Question 6: What is Elizabeth Weber Small's current status?
Answer: She passed away in 2016 at the age of 68.
In summary, Billy Joel's first wife was Elizabeth Weber Small, a model whom he married in 1973. They had one daughter together and were married for nine years before divorcing in 1982.
This concludes the FAQs on "Who Was Billy Joel's First Wife?".
Conclusion
Elizabeth Weber Small, the first wife of Billy Joel, was a model, mother, and a devoted supporter of Joel's music career. Her contributions to his personal and professional life were significant, and her legacy continues through her daughter, Alexa Ray Joel.
The exploration of "who was Billy Joel's first wife" provides insights into the dynamics of a marriage between two individuals with distinct personalities and career aspirations. Small's private nature and Joel's public persona created a unique balance within their relationship, allowing them to navigate the challenges and rewards of being in the spotlight.
The story of Billy Joel's first wife serves as a reminder of the importance of finding a partner who supports one's dreams and aspirations, while also respecting their need for privacy and personal space.
