Alexa Ray Joel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alexa Ray Joel
Joel in 2018
Born	(1985-12-29) December 29, 1985 (age 39) New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Singer songwriter pianist
Years active	2006–present
Partner(s)	Ryan Gleason (2018–present; engaged)
Parents	Billy Joel (father) Christie Brinkley (mother)
Relatives	Karl Amson Joel (great-grandfather) Sailor Brinkley Cook (half-sister)
Musical career
Genres	Pop soul rock
Instruments	Vocals piano keyboards
Labels	ARJ Music Audio Bee The Hang

Alexa Ray Joel (born December 29, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Her parents are the famous singer-songwriter Billy Joel and model Christie Brinkley. Joel has released her own music, including an EP called Sketches in 2006. She often performs at charity events and fashion shows.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Alexa Ray Joel was born in Manhattan, New York City. Her middle name, Ray, is a tribute to the legendary musician Ray Charles, who was a friend of her father. She has a half-brother, Jack, and a half-sister, Sailor Brinkley Cook, from her mother's side. She also has two younger half-sisters, Della Rose and Remy Anne, from her father's side.

Music has always been a big part of her life. Her father wrote the famous song "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" just for her, and she has said it's her favorite song he has written. Another one of his songs, "The Downeaster Alexa", is named after a boat that was named for her.

Growing up with a famous musician gave Joel a special look into how songs are made. Like her dad, she usually comes up with the melody first and then writes the lyrics. By the time she was 15, she was already writing her own songs on the piano.

Music Career

When she was 19, Joel started her own band and had her first live show in 2005. The next year, she performed almost 100 times, showing her dedication to her music.

The Sketches EP

In 2006, Joel released a six-song collection called Sketches. An EP, or extended play, is like a short album. She called it Sketches because she felt the songs were like raw, simple drawings of her ideas. She even designed the cover art and wrote out the lyrics by hand for the CD booklet. The EP also included her own version of Neil Young's song "Don't Let It Bring You Down."

Performances and Singles

After releasing Sketches, Joel performed at big music events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. She has also used her talent to help others by performing at many charity events. These events have raised money for causes like pediatric cancer research and building homes for families in need.

She has shared the stage with her father several times. In 2008, they performed his song "Baby Grand" together at a fundraiser for Barack Obama.

In 2010, Joel released the single "Notice Me." The song was described as fun and catchy, with bouncy guitar sounds. Many people thought it sounded like a mix between a Regina Spektor and a Katy Perry song.

Joel has also had regular performing gigs, called residencies, at famous hotels in New York City, like the Plaza Hotel and the Carlyle Hotel.

Fashion and Endorsements

Joel performing in 2010

Joel is also involved in the world of fashion. She has performed at New York's "Fashion's Night Out" and has worked as a host, interviewing designers and celebrities during New York Fashion Week.

In 2017, she appeared in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue with her mother, Christie Brinkley, and her half-sister, Sailor Brinkley Cook. The next year, she was on the cover of BELLA magazine's Beauty Issue.

Joel has also worked with major brands. In 2010, she became the new face of Prell shampoo. In 2013, she appeared in a TV ad for The Gap, where she sang her own version of her father's classic song, "Just the Way You Are".

Personal Life

In 2009, after a difficult breakup, Joel went through a tough time. She later said she felt "distraught and in so much pain." After this experience, she focused on her well-being and made positive changes in her life. She said, "I've got to get a new band, whole new songs, whole new career plan. Everything changed after that incident."

In 2010, Joel decided to have a nose surgery to correct a medical issue and to boost her self-confidence. She said she had thought about it for five years and was happy with her decision, stating she was "done with plastic surgery."

In 2013, Joel started dating Ryan Gleason, who owns a restaurant. They got engaged on January 1, 2018.

Discography

Sketches

(August 2006) (EP)

1. "The Heart of Me"
2. "Now It's Gone"
3. "Don't Let It Bring You Down"
4. "The Revolution Song"
5. "Resistance"
6. "Song of Yesterday"

For All My Days

(January 2008) (Single)

1. "For All My Days"

Invisible

(October 2009) (Single)

1. "Invisible"

Notice Me

(May 2010) (Single)

1. "Notice Me"

"All I Can Do Is Love"

(August 1, 2011) (Single)

1. "All I Can Do Is Love"

Beg You to Stay

(November 8, 2011) (Single)

1. "Beg You to Stay"

Just the Way You Are

(September 16, 2013) (Single)

1. "Just the Way You Are"

See also

In Spanish: Alexa Ray Joel para niños