Billy Joel-New York State of Mind-9/11 Tribute rehearsal

I am not the first to point out that when things are at their worst, Americans often are at their best. Since 2001 you do not have to be a native New Yorker to be in a “New York state of mind” each year on September 11. No doubt the toughest gig Billy Joel ever had to play came in November 2001 at New York City’s 9/11 Tribute to Heroes, just eight weeks after the terrorist attacks there, in Washington D.C., and on board four hijacked passenger jets, which stole more than three thousand souls. For twenty-five years Billy Joel had been the post-Sinatra Musical Mayor of the Big Apple, but suddenly his unofficial leadership role took on  almost inconceivable gravity: to grieve, console, reassure, and rally, all at the same time. Born in the Bronx, raised on Lon’ Gisland, this former welterweight decided to come back punching for all he was worth, and the people loved him for it. – Redbeard