“Piano Man (Front Cover)” (1973)
by Bill Imhoff
15 x 20 in., acrylic on heavy board
Coppola Collection
“Piano Man (Back Cover)” (1973)
by Bill Imhoff
15 x 20 in., acrylic on heavy board
Coppola Collection
The “Piano Man” album was released on November 3, 1973. I always assumed that the front and back covers were manipulated photographic images. Turns out they are acrylic paintings done by one of Columbia Record’s go-to guys for album art, Bill Imhoff. This pair of paintings was gifted to one of Billy Joel’s managers, and a few years ago he sold them. They landed here and there, and through great fortune, a bit of luck, and quite a coincidence, they ended up in my hands – the take-away lesson: art dealers will more inventory than cash-on-hand are often more amenable to making you a good deal during tax season.
These paintings are pure, solid gold grail for me. I actually cannot believe I own them.
I cannot find any real information about Imhoff’s fate anywhere.
Wonderful to see these. Bill Imhoff is my uncle – he’s alive and well living in northern California.
Elizabeth! I am sending you a private message in response to this. I would love to get Bill’s story, in general, and also quite specifically about anything related to these two pieces.