Alexa Ray Joel Unveils Major Career Move

A New Chapter for Alexa Ray Joel

Alexa Ray Joel, daughter of the legendary Billy Joel, has always carved her own path in the music industry. While she may carry the legacy of her father, she has never relied on it to define her career. Instead, she has built a reputation as a talented performer and songwriter in her own right. Recently, she has been teasing fans with hints about a new single titled "Riverside Way," which is set to debut this summer. The anticipation has been building, and fans are eager to hear what this new track will bring.

In June, Joel shared the news that the highly anticipated song would be released soon, and now there's a subtle hint that the wait might finally be over. On Tuesday, she announced that she would be taking over SiriusXM’s Billy Joel 79 channel with a brand-new segment dedicated to exploring her father's most defiant songs. The playlist, titled "Unfulfilled Fantasy & Rebellion," promises to be a fan favorite, especially with the backstory behind each track.

At the end of her latest Instagram post, Joel added a small teaser: “P.S. Stay tuned in ‘til the end of the program for a surprise original song. 🎵” This could be the big moment fans have been waiting for. Whether or not this is a sneak preview of "Riverside Way" or another original song, one thing is certain — listeners are in for a treat.

The new segment will air on Saturday, July 26 at 7 p.m., Monday, July 28 at 12 p.m., Tuesday, July 29 at 6 a.m., and Wednesday, July 30 at 3 p.m., all in Eastern Time.

A Legacy on Stage

Joel has never been shy about the spotlight. She started performing with her father at a young age, gaining experience and confidence on stage. Over the years, she has released several singles, including her most recent song, "Seven Years," which was released in 2021. Her music reflects the same songwriting sensibilities and performance prowess that her father is known for.

However, the past few months have brought some challenges for the Joel family. In May, Billy Joel was diagnosed with a brain condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus, which forced him to cancel all of his upcoming concerts. Despite this setback, Alexa Ray Joel has been vocal about her father's strength and resilience. She shared a heartfelt message on social media, praising his positive outlook and commitment to recovery through ongoing physical therapy.

A Documentary That Reveals More

The diagnosis came just two months before the premiere of the two-part documentary from HBO, Billy Joel: And So It Goes. This film offers an in-depth look at the musical icon who has captivated audiences for decades. It covers his early days growing up Jewish in Long Island, his rise to fame, and the conclusion of his decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden.

The documentary received praise from critics, including a review by NPR's Eric Deggans, who described it as "an expansive, excellent look at Joel's story."

Alexa Ray Joel was among the first to see the film and was deeply moved by it. She shared her impressions on Instagram, calling it "a fearlessly raw, reeling, and shockingly intimate portrait of my father." She added that the documentary offered "deeply layered narrative insights into Dad's richly-textured history," leaving her stunned. "You don't know 'til you watch this!" she wrote.