 

Episode Description

Join host Buzz Knight for an intimate and inspiring conversation with singer-songwriter Alexa Ray Joel, daughter of music legend Billy Joel. In this heartfelt episode, Alexa Ray opens up about her journey to establish her own unique musical identity while honoring her family’s incredible legacy.

From her latest EP “Tales from a Winding Tower” and its innovative “waterfall release” strategy to her diverse musical influences spanning Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell, and George Gershwin, Alexa Ray shares the stories behind her authentic songwriting process. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a career in the music industry while carrying a famous name, revealing the resilience and dedication that drive her artistry.

Listeners will gain insight into Alexa Ray’s creative process, her approach to authentic storytelling through music, and her deep respect for musical legends past and present. The episode concludes with her dream walk companion choice - the iconic Billie Holiday - offering a glimpse into the artists who continue to inspire her work.

Whether you’re discovering Alexa Ray Joel for the first time or you’re already familiar with her music, this conversation provides a window into the heart and mind of an artist determined to make her own mark on the world.

Show Notes

Guest: Alexa Ray Joel - Singer-songwriter, pianist

Key Topics Discussed:

• Musical Identity & Legacy

• Carving out her own artistic path separate from Billy Joel’s influence

• The balance between honoring family legacy and establishing independence

• Navigating industry expectations and public perception

• “Tales from a Winding Tower” EP

• Creative process behind the latest release

• Innovative “waterfall release” strategy - releasing songs individually

• The artistic vision behind each track

• Musical Influences & Inspirations

• Randy Newman’s storytelling approach

• Joni Mitchell’s lyrical depth

• George Gershwin’s compositional brilliance

• Billy Joel’s impact on her musicianship

• Songwriting & Creative Process

• The importance of authenticity in music creation

• Emotional honesty in songwriting

• Raw, organic approach to developing new material

• Industry Insights

• Challenges of establishing credibility in the music business

• Building a career while managing family name recognition

• Resilience and persistence in pursuing artistic goals

• Dream Walk Segment

• Alexa Ray’s choice: Billie Holiday

• Discussion of Holiday’s lasting influence on jazz and popular music

Notable Quotes:

• Insights on finding her own voice as an artist

• Reflections on authenticity in music

• Thoughts on resilience in the entertainment industry

If this episode of Takin’ a Walk – Music History on Foot struck a chord with you, we invite you to keep the journey going by exploring the many other stories, conversations, and musical pathways waiting in our episode library. Every installment of the podcast opens a new door into the world of music—whether it’s a deep dive into a legendary artist’s creative process, a walk through the overlooked corners of music history, or a compelling conversation with the people who shape the soundtrack of our lives. There’s an entire universe of rhythm, narrative, nostalgia, discovery, and behind-the-scenes insight spread across our past episodes, each one crafted to make your next walk, drive, workout, or moment of downtime more meaningful, more memorable, and more connected to the music you love. So don’t stop here, take a few extra steps and check out the rest of the Takin’ a Walk – Music History on Foot catalog. The stories waiting for you are as timeless, surprising, and inspiring as the songs that have carried you through your life. Keep listening and discover your next favorite episode.

Takin’ A Walk: In-depth music interviews exploring the stories and music history behind the songs.

Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

Music History is full of hidden connections, just like everything else worth understanding. If you're someone who can't help dig deeper, Claude is for you. We are grateful for Claude's support of the "Takin ' A  Walk" podcast and we invite you to try Claude for free at Claude.ai/buzz

 

&nbsp;
Episode Description
Join host Buzz Knight for an intimate and inspiring conversation with singer-songwriter Alexa Ray Joel, daughter of music legend Billy Joel. In this heartfelt episode, Alexa Ray opens up about her journey to establish her own unique musical identity while honoring her family&rsquo;s incredible legacy.
From her latest EP &ldquo;Tales from a Winding Tower&rdquo; and its innovative &ldquo;waterfall release&rdquo; strategy to her diverse musical influences spanning Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell, and George Gershwin, Alexa Ray shares the stories behind her authentic songwriting process. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a career in the music industry while carrying a famous name, revealing the resilience and dedication that drive her artistry.
Listeners will gain insight into Alexa Ray&rsquo;s creative process, her approach to authentic storytelling through music, and her deep respect for musical legends past and present. The episode concludes with her dream walk companion choice - the iconic Billie Holiday - offering a glimpse into the artists who continue to inspire her work.
Whether you&rsquo;re discovering Alexa Ray Joel for the first time or you&rsquo;re already familiar with her music, this conversation provides a window into the heart and mind of an artist determined to make her own mark on the world.
Show Notes
Guest: Alexa Ray Joel - Singer-songwriter, pianist
Key Topics Discussed:
&bull; Musical Identity &amp; Legacy
&bull; Carving out her own artistic path separate from Billy Joel&rsquo;s influence
&bull; The balance between honoring family legacy and establishing independence
&bull; Navigating industry expectations and public perception
&bull; &ldquo;Tales from a Winding Tower&rdquo; EP
&bull; Creative process behind the latest release
&bull; Innovative &ldquo;waterfall release&rdquo; strategy - releasing songs individually
&bull; The artistic vision behind each track
&bull; Musical Influences &amp; Inspirations
&bull; Randy Newman&rsquo;s storytelling approach
&bull; Joni Mitchell&rsquo;s lyrical depth
&bull; George Gershwin&rsquo;s compositional brilliance
&bull; Billy Joel&rsquo;s impact on her musicianship
&bull; Songwriting &amp; Creative Process
&bull; The importance of authenticity in music creation
&bull; Emotional honesty in songwriting
&bull; Raw, organic approach to developing new material
&bull; Industry Insights
&bull; Challenges of establishing credibility in the music business
&bull; Building a career while managing family name recognition
&bull; Resilience and persistence in pursuing artistic goals
&bull; Dream Walk Segment
&bull; Alexa Ray&rsquo;s choice: Billie Holiday
&bull; Discussion of Holiday&rsquo;s lasting influence on jazz and popular music
Notable Quotes:
&bull; Insights on finding her own voice as an artist
&bull; Reflections on authenticity in music
&bull; Thoughts on resilience in the entertainment industry
If this episode of Takin&rsquo; a Walk &ndash; Music History on Foot struck a chord with you, we invite you to keep the journey going by exploring the many other stories, conversations, and musical pathways waiting in our episode library. Every installment of the podcast opens a new door into the world of music&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s a deep dive into a legendary artist&rsquo;s creative process, a walk through the overlooked corners of music history, or a compelling conversation with the people who shape the soundtrack of our lives. There&rsquo;s an entire universe of rhythm, narrative, nostalgia, discovery, and behind-the-scenes insight spread across our past episodes, each one crafted to make your next walk, drive, workout, or moment of downtime more meaningful, more memorable, and more connected to the music you love. So don&rsquo;t stop here, take a few extra steps and check out the rest of the Takin&rsquo; a Walk &ndash; Music History on Foot catalog. The stories waiting for you are as timeless, surprising, and inspiring as the songs that have carried you through your life. Keep listening and discover your next favorite episode.
Takin&rsquo; A Walk: In-depth music interviews exploring the stories and music history behind the songs.
<a href="file:///C:/Users/susanbacich/Downloads/Support%20the%20show:%20https:/takinawalk.com">Support the show: https://takinawalk.com/</a>
See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.
&nbsp;
Music History is full of hidden connections, just like everything else worth understanding. If you're someone who can't help dig deeper, Claude is for you. We are grateful for Claude's support of the "Takin ' A &nbsp;Walk" podcast and we invite you to try Claude for free at Claude.ai/buzz
&nbsp;

On the Takin’ A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music’s most iconic voices. From Rock & Roll Hall of Famers  with legendary storytellers, to artists and their indie music journey, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight podcast delivers music interviews that explore more than just the songs — Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history. 

Takin’ A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you In-depth music interviews. 

If you love our show you’ll love these podcasts:

The Music History Podcast 

Hit Parade Music History Podcast 

A History of Music in 500 Songs

Music History Today Network

Music is History 

New episodes drop weekly across all podcast platforms where you can hear all of the stories behind songs.

Check out our other shows

Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman

Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman 

Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson 

Part of iHeartPodcasts

On the Takin&rsquo; A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music&rsquo;s most iconic voices. From Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Famers &nbsp;with legendary storytellers, to artists and their indie music journey, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight podcast delivers music interviews that explore more than just the songs &mdash; Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history.&nbsp;
Takin&rsquo; A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you In-depth music interviews.&nbsp;
If you love our show you&rsquo;ll love these podcasts:
The Music History Podcast&nbsp;
Hit Parade Music History Podcast&nbsp;
A History of Music in 500 Songs
Music History Today Network
Music is History&nbsp;
New episodes drop weekly across all podcast platforms where you can hear all of the stories behind songs.
Check out our other shows
Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman
Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman&nbsp;
Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson&nbsp;
Part of iHeartPodcasts

Takin' A Walk - Music History with Buzz Knight

On the Takin’ A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music’s most iconic voices. From Rock & Roll Hall of Famers  with legendary storytellers, to artists and their indie music journey, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight podcast delivers music interviews that explore more than just the songs — Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history. 

Takin’ A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you In-depth music interviews. 

If you love our show you’ll love these podcasts:

The Music History Podcast 

Hit Parade Music History Podcast 

A History of Music in 500 Songs

Music History Today Network

Music is History 

New episodes drop weekly across all podcast platforms where you can hear all of the stories behind songs.

Check out our other shows

Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman

Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman 

Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson 

Part of iHeartPodcasts

 

On the Takin&rsquo; A Walk-Music History Podcast, Buzz Knight goes deep with American music&rsquo;s most iconic voices. From Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Famers &nbsp;with legendary storytellers, to artists and their indie music journey, musicians reveal the stories behind songs, the creative breakthroughs, career-defining risks, and backstage truths that shaped their legacy. Drawing on decades in radio and deep music history knowledge, The Buzz Knight podcast delivers music interviews that explore more than just the songs &mdash; Knight uncovers the inspiring music stories and human truths that define music history.&nbsp;
Takin&rsquo; A Walk is the Music History Podcast that gives you In-depth music interviews.&nbsp;
If you love our show you&rsquo;ll love these podcasts:
The Music History Podcast&nbsp;
Hit Parade Music History Podcast&nbsp;
A History of Music in 500 Songs
Music History Today Network
Music is History&nbsp;
New episodes drop weekly across all podcast platforms where you can hear all of the stories behind songs.
Check out our other shows
Music Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman
Comedy Saved Me hosted by Lynn Hoffman&nbsp;
Takin A Walk Nashville hosted by Sarah Harralson&nbsp;
Part of iHeartPodcasts
&nbsp;

The Musical Joy of  Singer-Songwriter Alexa Ray Joel-Music History

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/6b366a47-dd3c-4e8e-aea0-b35d0140f026/transcript

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