Elizabeth Ann Weber, often remembered as the first wife of the legendary musician Billy Joel, has lived a life marked by both fame and controversy. Born in 1942 in New York, Elizabeth’s life intertwined significantly with Joel’s, particularly influencing his music career and personal life.
Early Life and Background
Elizabeth Ann Weber was born in 1942 in New York. Details about her early life and family remain largely private. She attended a private high school and later enrolled at New York University. Elizabeth’s early career is not well-documented, but she eventually became deeply involved in the management of Billy Joel’s finances and career.
Marriage to Jon Small
Before her relationship with Billy Joel, Elizabeth was married to Jon Small, a drummer in the rock band The Hassles, of which Billy Joel was also a member. Elizabeth and Jon had a son named Sean Small. Their marriage ended when Elizabeth began an affair with Joel, leading to her subsequent divorce from Small.
Relationship and Marriage to Billy Joel
Elizabeth Ann Weber met Billy Joel in the late 1960s. Their affair was tumultuous, leading to a temporary separation before they rekindled their relationship and married in September 1973. At the time, Billy was in his twenties, and Elizabeth was in her early thirties with a young son.
Elizabeth played a significant role in Joel’s career, taking on the role of his manager. She was known for her tough negotiating skills and business acumen, which helped shape Joel’s early career. However, her influence was not without controversy. Many people in Joel’s circle found her to be controlling and manipulative.
Inspiration for Music
Elizabeth was a significant muse for Billy Joel, inspiring some of his most famous songs, including “Just the Way You Are,” “She’s Always a Woman,” and “She’s Got a Way.” Despite the inspiration she provided, their relationship was fraught with difficulties. Elizabeth’s love for financial gain became evident when she demanded a share of the publishing rights for Joel’s songs.
Divorce and Aftermath
The marriage between Elizabeth and Billy Joel lasted nine years, ending in a messy divorce in 1982. During their marriage, Elizabeth’s brother, Frank Weber, managed Joel’s finances. After the divorce, Joel discovered that Frank had been embezzling money from him, leading to a lawsuit and a significant financial settlement out of court.
The final straw in their relationship came when Joel, hospitalized after a motorcycle accident, was visited by Elizabeth, who asked him to sign over his assets to her. This incident solidified Joel’s decision to end the marriage.
Life After Billy Joel
Following the divorce, Elizabeth Ann Weber disappeared from the public eye. She continued to live in the $4 million townhouse that Joel had bought for her until it was sold in 1997. Her current whereabouts and relationship status remain unknown. While Billy Joel moved on and remarried three times, Elizabeth chose to lead a private life away from the spotlight.
Legacy
Elizabeth Ann Weber’s legacy is closely tied to her influence on Billy Joel’s early career and personal life. Despite the controversies and challenges, her impact on Joel’s music is undeniable. Songs inspired by her remain some of Joel’s most beloved hits, and her role as his manager helped establish his early success in the music industry.
Elizabeth Ann Weber’s life story is one of complexity and intrigue. From her early marriage to Jon Small to her tumultuous relationship with Billy Joel, she has remained a significant, albeit controversial, figure in the backdrop of one of music’s most iconic careers. Today, her legacy lives on through the timeless songs she inspired and the pivotal role she played in Billy Joel’s life.