The timeless classic, “Uptown Girl,” by Billy Joel, tells the tale of a downtown, working-class guy who falls head over heels for an upper-class, out-of-his-league girl. However, there is more to this song than meets the eye. Let’s dive into the intriguing story behind “Uptown Girl.”
Uptown Girls
The inspiration for “Uptown Girl” came to Billy Joel after a night surrounded by supermodels in St. Barts in 1983. This led him to initially name the song “Uptown Girls.” It was during this time that Joel found himself in the company of Whitney Houston, Christie Brinkley, and his then-girlfriend, Elle Macpherson. Interestingly, the song’s focus shifted from Macpherson to Brinkley, who would later become his wife.
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According to Brinkley, they all met each other at the same time, coincidentally sharing the same location for a photoshoot. Joel clarified in an interview with Howard Stern that the song began taking shape before he started dating Christie, while he was still with Elle. So, while the song was not entirely about Christie Brinkley, it does capture the essence of their relationship.
Plot Twist
In a surprising turn of events, Brinkley revealed in 2015 that neither Elle Macpherson nor herself were the sole inspiration for the song. She shared that Joel originally started writing the song because of a woman with a captivating voice who had an uncanny ability to captivate rock stars with her phone conversations. Joel discovered this and admitted, “Oh, you know what, I was writing a song about you, and I didn’t even know it.”
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Joel and Brinkley eventually tied the knot in 1985 and were blessed with a daughter, Alexa Ray Joel, later that year. Joel amusingly remarked that his ability to attract such a beautiful woman as Brinkley should give hope to every “ugly guy” out there.
Franki Valli and the Four Seasons’s “Rag Doll”
Billy Joel found inspiration for the sound of “Uptown Girls” in Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’s hit song, “Rag Doll.” He wrote his own modern-day version with lyrics that presented an opposite storyline to the group’s 1964 hit.
Interestingly, Valli himself acknowledged this connection between the two songs. In a Facebook post, he shared that “Uptown Girl” was born when one day, a dirty-faced girl wiped the windshield of Bob Gaudio’s car (another member of the Four Seasons), and he tipped her a massive $20, which was a substantial amount at the time. This encounter left a lasting impression on Gaudio, who quickly collaborated with Bob Crewe to pen the lyrics for their future hit song.
Mechanics and Models
The music video for “Uptown Girl,” directed by Jon Small, takes place in a car garage where Billy Joel and his backup singers work as mechanics. The video showcases Christie Brinkley arriving in her Rolls-Royce, with Joel and his crew dancing around her. A poster of Brinkley can be seen in the garage, alongside an “Uptown Cosmetics” billboard. Brinkley reminisced about the overnight shoot, describing it as an incredibly fun experience.
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In 2017, the British group Westlife created a parody of the video, featuring supermodel Claudia Schiffer, where they acted as waiters at a diner trying to impress her.
Princess Diana’s Surprise Dance
Princess Diana once surprised her then-husband, Prince Charles, by dancing to “Uptown Girl” at a VIP event held at London’s Royal Opera House in December 1985. With dancer Wayne Sleep by her side, Diana showcased her ballet skills, revealing her love for the freedom that dancing gave her. Sleep later received a letter from the Princess, expressing her newfound understanding and appreciation for the joy of performing.
Chart-Topping Success
Upon its release, “Uptown Girl” became a worldwide sensation and the best-selling single of 1983. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached No. 1 in several countries, including the UK.
“Uptown Girl” continues to captivate audiences with its catchy melody and timeless story of love across social classes. Its legacy endures as a testament to the artistry and storytelling prowess of Billy Joel, reminding us that true love knows no boundaries.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: Blog
