Did Billy Joel Play on Remember Walking in the Sand?

It is widely said that Billy Joel played piano on The Shangri-Las' 1964 hit, "Remember (Walking in the Sand)," although this remains a long-standing but unconfirmed claim.

The Enduring Speculation

The notion of Billy Joel's involvement with "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" has circulated for decades among music enthusiasts and historians. Released when Joel would have been around 15 years old, the song features a distinctive piano melody that some attribute to the future "Piano Man" himself. While not officially credited, the persistent nature of this claim has become a notable anecdote in music history.

Context of the Claim

To better understand the claim, here's a brief overview:

The Nature of Session Musicians in the 1960s

During the 1960s, it was common practice for record labels and producers to utilize a pool of talented studio or session musicians. These individuals, often uncredited on album liner notes, would provide instrumental backing for numerous artists across various genres. Many future stars, including Billy Joel, began their careers as such uncredited session players. This historical context lends some credibility to the possibility of his involvement, as it wouldn't be unusual for a young, talented pianist to contribute to recordings without official recognition at the time.

However, without concrete evidence, such as studio logs, direct testimony from those involved in the recording, or confirmation from Joel himself (who has never definitively claimed playing on this specific track), the story remains largely within the realm of musical lore.

Conclusion on the Unconfirmed Truth

While the idea that Billy Joel played on "Remember (Walking in the Sand)" is a fascinating piece of music history, it has not been officially substantiated. It remains a widely said but ultimately unconfirmed claim, adding to the mystique of one of the Shangri-Las' most iconic songs.