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Billy Joel's Best Friend and Bandmate Jon Small Dead
Billy Joel remembered Small as a longtime friend whose work on concert films and music videos later earned him wide recognition.
- Jon Small, a musician and acclaimed music video director who co-founded The Hassles and Attila with Billy Joel, died in his late 70s. Joel mourned his longtime best friend on Monday, sharing a photo tribute on Instagram.
- Their relationship grew complicated in 1970 when Joel became involved with Small's wife, Elizabeth Weber Small, prompting a temporary breakup of their friendship. Small later forgave Joel after the singer confessed that Small helped him during a mental health crisis.
- Beyond drumming, Small built a prolific career directing music videos for stars including Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and Aerosmith. He also collaborated on Joel's concert films, such as Live From Long Island and the video for "Baby Grand."
- The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, which inducted Small in 2025, memorialized him as an "acclaimed" talent. A funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday at noon in Great Neck.
- Colleagues remembered Small as a generous figure in the music industry. John Bohlinger wrote on Facebook, "You were one of the most remarkable people I've ever known," honoring the man who remained a fixture for decades.
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StereogumJon Small, Drummer In Early Billy Joel Bands, Has Died
This article was originally published on Cedarnews.net. For more news and exclusive reports, visit our website. Jon Small Drummer: GREAT NECK, New York — Jon Small, who played drums in Billy Joel's early bands, the Hassles and Atilla, and later became an accomplished drummer. This news was published on the Cedarnews website. For more breaking news and exclusive reports, visit our official website.
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Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 33%
C 45%
R 22%
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