Sept. 29 in Music: Billy Joel’s ‘The Stranger,’ Outkast’s ‘Aquemini’ and More

Sept. 29 in Music: Billy Joel’s ‘The Stranger,’ Outkast’s ‘Aquemini’ and More

Billy Joel’s career changed course on Sept. 29, 1977, with the release of “The Stranger.” His first album with producer Phil Ramone brought together polished pop singles and ambitious storytelling, turning an established singer-songwriter into a major recording star. As Sept. 29, 2026, marks its 49th anniversary, the album stands at the center of a date that also brought important developments in television, hard rock and hip-hop. The day’s stor…