The Tragic Tale of Billy Joel's First Love and the Band That Broke His Heart

When Rock and Romance Collided

It's rare for an obituary to feel like the end of a classic rock story, but that's exactly what we're left with after learning of Jon Small's death. As Billy Joel announced on social media with a quiet tribute, we are reminded of a time when music and heartbreak were deeply entwined. The tale of Jon Small and Billy Joel isn't just about the past — it's a story that speaks to how passion, loyalty, and the complexities of love can forever alter lives.

"Elizabeth was very important to me, but I think I was not the guy she hoped I would be," Small said in the recent documentary And So It Goes. "I kept seeing that Billy was not the same guy. Something was the matter. And Billy one day came up to me, became a little honest, and said to me, 'I'm in love with your wife.' So it was a very devastating thing for me."

That moment — when Joel confessed his feelings for Small's wife Elizabeth — wasn't just an emotional turning point; it was the beginning of the end for their creative partnership. It also marked the start of one of music's most poignant love stories, with a twist that has echoed through decades.

The Hassles and Attila: The Beginning

Before the chaos of romance and the pain of betrayal, there was a band — the Hassles. Formed in the early 1960s, this group would set the stage for both men's rise to stardom. They were young, hungry, and full of ambition. It wasn't until they transitioned into the hard rock duo Attila that things took a dramatic turn.

Attila's 1970 debut album was more than just a musical milestone — it was a life snapshot. For a brief time, Joel lived with Small and Elizabeth in their shared apartment, creating a bond that went beyond music. But as we know from the documentary, that bond quickly fractured under the weight of desire.

When Love Becomes a Weapon

In many ways, this story is about how people can be both the most loyal and the most cruel to those they care for most. Joel was honest — but he was also reckless. When he told Small that he loved Elizabeth, it wasn't just a confession; it was an act of betrayal that shattered not only their friendship but also the foundation of their band.

Joel admitted later, "I felt very, very guilty about it. They had a child. I felt like a homewrecker." His guilt wasn't just about the affair — it was about the destruction he had caused, and how that destruction was reflected in the very people closest to him.

But what's fascinating is how this pain evolved over time. While Small initially blamed Joel, he also showed an incredible capacity for forgiveness. As he said in And So It Goes, "He never really said anything to me, the only practical answer I can give as to why Billy took it so hard was because he loved me that much and that it killed him to hurt me that much. Eventually I forgave him."

The Healing of Friendship

It's a rare thing in the music industry for old friends to reconcile after such a dramatic betrayal, but that's exactly what happened with Joel and Small. Their friendship didn't just return — it deepened. They worked together again on concert films like Live From Long Island, Live at Shea Stadium, and even directed the iconic “Baby Grand” music video.

Small's later work extended beyond Joel to include directing music videos for Reba McEntire, Enrique Iglesias, and Brooks & Dunn. But his most significant role in music history remains that of a collaborator who bridged two of the industry's most complex narratives — one about ambition and the other about love.

The Price of Fame

What strikes me about this story is how it captures not only the emotional turbulence of fame, but also the fragile nature of human relationships. Joel was at the peak of his creative powers when he made that confession, and Small was at a crossroads — both were being shaped by choices they didn't fully understand.

This isn't just about Billy Joel's rise to stardom; it's about how personal dramas can echo in the public sphere. When you're a musician, your life becomes part of the narrative, and sometimes that story is more dramatic than any song you write.

Legacy and Remembrance

Jon Small may not be remembered for his own musical genius, but he holds an important place in music history — as someone who stood by a friend through one of the most difficult times in his life. Joel's tribute to him was brief, but deeply sincere: "Jon was a brilliant musician and an even better friend. I loved him."

In the end, Small's legacy is one of loyalty, resilience, and the quiet courage it takes to forgive someone who hurt you deeply. His passing reminds us how much of music's emotional history is tied to the people behind the scenes — those who shaped careers, relationships, and even the very sound of a generation.

Why This Matters

In an age where we're constantly told that celebrity lives are about fame, success, and scandal, Jon Small's story is a reminder that underneath it all, there are real people with real feelings. His relationship with Billy Joel wasn't just about rock and roll — it was about love, loss, and what happens when you realize the person you trust most has fallen in love with someone else.

Small may have been a footnote in many biographies, but his story is one of the quietest yet most powerful chapters in rock history. And now, as we say goodbye to him, we're left with a bittersweet reminder: sometimes the most important stories are not about the hits, but the heartbreaks that made them unforgettable.