Who Was Billy Joel's First Wife, Elizabeth Weber?
Who was the woman behind the Piano Man, the muse who inspired some of Billy Joel's most iconic ballads? The story of Elizabeth Weber Small is one of intense love, profound influence, and ultimately, a quiet disappearance from the public eye. It's a tale interwoven with the rise of a music legend, marked by both triumph and heartbreak.
Elizabeth Weber entered Billy Joel's life in 1970, a meeting that would irrevocably alter the course of both their lives. At the time, she was married to Jon Small, the drummer in Joel's band, Attila. Their connection, however, transcended the boundaries of friendship and existing relationships. Joel, in his twenties and on the cusp of stardom, found himself captivated by Elizabeth's intellect, her forthright nature, and her undeniable allure. "She wasn't like a lot of the other girls I knew at the time," Joel confided to biographer Fred Schruers. This unconventional beginning set the stage for a relationship as complex and compelling as the music it would inspire.
| Full Name | Elizabeth Ann Weber Small |
| Born | 1942 |
| Spouse | Billy Joel (m. 19731982), Jon Small (m. ??) |
| Known For | First wife of Billy Joel, Business Manager |
| Profession | Business Manager |
| Reference | Billy Joel Biography |
September 1973 marked the official beginning of their union. Elizabeth became more than just a wife; she took on the role of business manager, fiercely protecting Joel's interests as his fame skyrocketed. The 1970s witnessed Joel's transformation into a musical powerhouse, with "Piano Man" launching him into the stratosphere. New York City became their backdrop, the energy and vibrancy of the era mirroring the intensity of their relationship. Songs like "Just the Way You Are," "She's Got a Way," and "She's Always a Woman" are widely believed to be inspired by Elizabeth, testaments to her profound influence on his creative process. These ballads, brimming with raw emotion and vulnerability, captured the hearts of millions and cemented Joel's place in music history.
Yet, behind the faade of success and artistic inspiration, their relationship was far from smooth sailing. Described as tumultuous by those close to the couple, their love story was punctuated by periods of separation and reconciliation. Joels song "Summer, Highland Falls" offers a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster they experienced, the lyrics reflecting the highs and lows of their passionate bond. The stability Elizabeth initially provided eventually gave way to complexities that strained their connection. Her brother, Frank Weber, entered the picture as Joels manager, a decision that would later prove disastrous. Allegations of financial mismanagement and the siphoning of millions of dollars from Joel's earnings cast a dark shadow over their already fragile relationship.
The cracks in their foundation ultimately proved irreparable. In 1982, after nine years of marriage, Billy and Elizabeth divorced. The split was acrimonious, marked by legal battles and accusations of betrayal. The $90 million lawsuit Joel filed against Frank Weber in 1989, alleging the misappropriation of funds, became a public spectacle, further exposing the fractured remnants of their personal and professional lives. Following the divorce, Elizabeth retreated from the public sphere. Unlike other figures associated with celebrity marriages, she chose a life of anonymity, effectively vanishing from the spotlight. Her whereabouts remain unknown, her story fading into the tapestry of Billy Joel's past.
Joel, for his part, navigated the aftermath of the divorce with documented struggles. Reports of deep depression and a suicide attempt at the age of 21 underscore the emotional toll of the period. While Elizabeth's reappearance in his life prior to their marriage offered a temporary reprieve, it ultimately couldn't salvage their relationship. Joel would go on to marry three more times, his experiences with Elizabeth undoubtedly shaping his future relationships. The story of Elizabeth Weber Small remains a poignant chapter in Billy Joel's biography. She was more than just his first wife; she was a muse, a business partner, and a central figure in the formative years of his career. Though her presence in his life was ultimately transient, her influence on his music continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Her deliberate absence from the public eye only adds to the mystique surrounding her, leaving us to ponder the untold story of the woman who once held the Piano Man's heart.
