Jon Small, the esteemed drummer and former bandmate of Billy Joel, has sadly passed away. Billy Joel, aged 77, took to Instagram on September 7 to share a heartfelt tribute, which included a nostalgic photograph from their early days alongside a recent image of the duo enjoying each other’s company.
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Small and Joel first crossed paths in the late 1960s when Joel joined Small’s band, The Hassles, after their original keyboard player departed. From the moment Small recognised Joel’s remarkable talent, he was determined to bring him into the fold, eventually persuading the young musician to join the band by offering him a Hammond B-3 organ. Despite initial hesitations, Joel quickly solidified his role as lead vocalist and primary songwriter, pushing The Hassles to new heights with his original composition, “Every Step I Take.”
Over the course of their musical journey, Small and Joel developed a strong friendship, noted for their creative partnership. However, the relationship experienced significant turbulence when Joel fell in love with Elizabeth, Small’s wife at the time. Joel himself has acknowledged the emotional turmoil this situation created, describing himself as a “homewrecker” and expressing the deep sense of guilt he felt in light of the upheaval.
The fallout was profound; Small remarked on the dilemma of witnessing his two closest friends become romantically involved, an experience that left him devastated. Despite the heartache, there was a moment of mutual understanding that a rift had formed, with Joel even attempting suicide on two occasions, the second of which saw Small rush him to hospital.
After marrying Elizabeth in 1973, Joel’s career garnered significant momentum, bolstered by her role as his manager. The couple eventually divorced in 1982, but their professional relationship laid the groundwork for Joel’s success in the music industry. The aftermath of this personal upheaval could have marked the end of their friendship with Small, yet fate had other plans.
By the 1980s, the two began to work together again, directing several music videos for Joel’s hit songs, including “Uptown Girl” and “Keeping the Faith.” Small’s skills in production were recognised widely; in 1992, he earned a Grammy nomination for his work on Joel’s concert film, Live at Yankee Stadium. His career also spanned collaborations with iconic artists such as Kenny Rogers and Garth Brooks.
In a twist of fate, Small found recognition for his contributions to music. He was inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame as a member of The Hassles in 2025. Reflecting on their intertwined journeys and having shared both profound joys and heart-wrenching challenges, Small said that he could never truly escape the aura of Billy Joel, jokingly acknowledging his friend’s pervasive influence on his life.
Joel’s message of remembrance captures the spirit of their friendship, underscoring how they overcame their differences and the trials of life, while also earning a valuable place in music history. Small’s legacy will likely resonate with many for years to come, as both his musical talent and personal journey remain inextricably linked with that of Billy Joel’s own ascent in the industry.
As fans and colleagues reflect on Jon Small’s life, the music world is reminded of the lasting connections between artists, illustrating how their paths can weave together amidst both harmony and discord.