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Today's “Great Song of the '70s” has some cool trivia attached to it!
In 1978, Billy Joel released his album, “52nd Street,” and the first single, “My Life,” climbed all the way to #2 on the Adult Contemporary Charts in both the the US and Canada in December of '79, and #3 on the Hot 100/Top charts in early 1980. It was also a Top 15 hit in 9 other countries—including #2 in South Africa, #3 in Ireland, and #4 in Switzerland, of all places!
Billy's backup singers on the track were Peter Cetera and Donnie Dacus of Chicago!
The lyrics, “...closed the shop, sold the house, bought a ticket to the west coast. Now he gives them a stand-up routine in LA.” were allegedly about comedian Richard Lewis, who grew up in the same New York/New Jersey area as Billy. (See picture at bottom of page.)
Finally, fans of Tom Hanks may remember that “My Life” was used as the theme song for his breakout role as Kip on TV's “Bosom Buddies,” (also featuring Peter Scolari, Holland Taylor, Wendie Jo Sperber, Donna Dixon and Telma Hopkins).
Oddly enough, when the series was released on DVD, the song had to be purged and replaced (by “Shake Me Loose” by Stephanie Mills) for legal reasons. But I found a version of it on you-tube for you to enjoy—just click the second link below!
“My Life:” one of Billy Joel's best from early in his career, and a “Great Song of 1979 and 1980.”
Bosom Buddies:
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