One Of The Most Famous Songs In History Is About This Capital Region City

There is a very small list of songs that seem immortal, like they had always existed, we were just waiting for someone to record it. From Mr. Brightside to Sweet Caroline, these are songs you can play at any function and still get the crowd involved.

One of the most well known, especially across New York, is Billy Joel's biggest hit: Piano Man, and its origins are a little closer to home than you might expect.

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Billy Joel's Capital Region History

Troy, NY, sitting just across the Hudson River from Albany, has its fair share of history. From its famed "Gilded Age" to being the birthplace of Uncle Sam, it's been a major part of America mostly through the shadows.

It's this quaint lifestyle that likely caused Billy Joel to visit from time to time, escaping the hustle and bustle of New York City. During his time, he would typically play piano at the Hendrick Hudson Hotel on Troy's Broadway Street. You can see where this goes...

Troy's Piano Man

Allegedly, the song Piano Man is directly based on the characters he met in Troy. "John at the Bar" is based on the actual bartender from the HHH, and as such, many Troy residents believe the rest of the cast is as well.

According to the "official" story, the song is lifted not from his time un Upstate New York, but rather his time in Los Angeles. There has never been an official confirmation from Joel that this song is based in Troy, but put the pieces together, talk to some locals, and you'll be all but certain the track's home is nestled on the shores of the Hudson.