Since their divorce, Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel’s love story has been like a story pulled out from the pages of a romance novel. Three decades after their divorce, the duo caused a moment of pure nostalgia at Madison Square Garden, Joel’s “office,” where he performs onstage.
A TikTok video captured Brinkley dancing to the melody of Joel’s timeless hit, “Uptown Girl.” Complementing her radiant smile, she was dressed in a metallic blue button-down shirt.
What Is the Untold Story Behind “Uptown Girl” and the Evening at Madison Square Garden?
Elle Macpherson, one of Joel’s former flames, appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen and disclosed a bit about the genesis of “Uptown Girl.” She noted that Joel had initially started writing the dope tune while living together as a couple.
However, their romance became sour, and Joel was drawn to the muse: Christie Brinkley. Consequently, Brinkley inspired the famous hit and starred in its official music video.
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In addition to the evening’s magic, Brinkley went on Instagram to showcase her daughter Alexa Ray joining her father on stage at Madison Square Garden. Together, the father-daughter duo sang “Say Goodbye to Hollywood.” Brinkley’s caption thanked Joel and Alexa Ray for serenading the audience.
Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley’s Romance
March 23, 1985, marked the duo’s union. Their romance grew into parenthood when they welcomed Alexa Ray on December 29, 1985. Sadly, after nearly a decade of lovey-dovey, their relationship also took an unexpected turn, leading to their separation in 1994.
Brinkley wasted no time as she remarried Richard Taubman and Peter Cook in 1994 and 1996, respectively. Meanwhile, Joel exchanged vows with Katie Lee in 2004 before finding lasting companionship with Alexis Roderick.
In the early ’80s, Joel and Brinkley were the perfect examples of glamor. They were the duo that kept the paparazzi on their toes. In their quest for privacy amidst the glaring spotlight, the duo adopted the cunning nicknames “Rocky” and “Sandy Shore” when booking hotels. While their attempt at anonymity might have raised eyebrows, we still kind of fell in love with it.
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Unfortunately, their journey from anonymous hotel guests to spouses and parents eventually ended in 1994. Despite parting ways, the exes maintained a good relationship. Occasionally, they come together for Christmas carol singalongs, as revealed by Brinkley to Social Life magazine in 2019.
Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley’s Relationship Timeline
Let’s rewind to 1983, where it all started. Joel and Brinkley met in St. Bart’s. Joel’s attempt to catch Brinkley’s eye with an impromptu “album cover” pose may have missed the mark, but fate intervened as he introduced his piano skills. Brinkley, accompanied by Whitney Houston and Elle Macpherson, was drawn to the music, and the rest, as they say, is history.
For Brinkley, their encounter came after a heartbreaking loss following the death of her former beau, Olivier Chandon de Brailles. Joel coming in after the tragedy ignited a friendship that soon became something more.
The Evolution of “Uptown Girl”
As mentioned, “Uptown Girl” was birthed during Joel’s time with Elle Macpherson. However, the song took another turn when he fell in love with Christie Brinkley. Joel claimed that Macpherson was waiting in his apartment when he came home with Brinkley one night.
Macpherson said she was displaced from her life with Joel when Brinkley entered the picture. As “Uptown Girl” grew into a verse for Brinkley, she also featured in the official music video.
Their union topped off in a picturesque wedding ceremony aboard a 147-foot yacht in New York Harbor. Then, they bought a Long Island home, a sanctuary away from the prying eyes of fame. In April 1994, the duo parted for many reasons, including Brinkley’s desire to relocate to the West Coast and her frustrations with Joel’s touring schedule.
In 2001, Brinkley further hinted at another possible reason. She said, “Just because people can express themselves through their art doesn’t mean they are great communicators in person.” Sounds like the duo also had communication issues.
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