During a recent performance at Madison Square Garden, Billy Joel’s ex-wife, Christie Brinkley, delighted fans as she danced along to “Uptown Girl,” the song famously inspired by her. In a heartwarming moment captured on TikTok, the 70-year-old model was seen swaying and singing along with a radiant smile, reminiscing about the time when the song was a soundtrack to their love story.
Released in 1983, “Uptown Girl” holds a special place in music history as a tribute to Brinkley, whom Joel would later marry in 1985. Their union, however, ended in divorce in 1994. Brinkley’s presence in the music video further solidified the song’s association with their relationship.
Reflecting on the genesis of “Uptown Girl,” Joel shared insights during a 2010 interview on “The Howard Stern Show.” Initially titled “Uptown Girls” and inspired by his relationship with Elle MacPherson, the song evolved to focus solely on Brinkley as their romance blossomed. Joel dispelled any speculation that the song was about anyone else, emphasizing Brinkley’s central role in its creation.
Despite their divorce, Joel and Brinkley share a lasting bond through their daughter, 38-year-old Alexa Ray Joel. Prior to Brinkley, Joel was married to Elizabeth Weber until 1982, and later to Katie Lee from 2004 to 2009. He is currently married to Alexis Roderick, with whom he shares two daughters, Della Rose Joel, 8, and Remy Anne Joel, 6.
Brinkley, in a 2019 interview with Yahoo Entertainment, expressed her enduring affection for “Uptown Girl” and the special significance it holds in her life. Embracing the song as her personal theme, she fondly recalled its prevalence in various aspects of her life, from tennis matches to television appearances. For Brinkley, having a song associated with her identity is a unique and enjoyable experience that few individuals get to enjoy.
Joel’s iconic residency at Madison Square Garden, which began in January 2014, has been a testament to his enduring legacy in the music industry. As he nears the conclusion of this record-setting run, fans continue to flock to his performances, cherishing each moment of his legendary career. The recent televised broadcast of his 100th show on CBS highlighted the significance of his residency, showcasing the enduring appeal of classics like “Uptown Girl” and “Piano Man.”
In essence, Christie Brinkley’s spontaneous dance to “Uptown Girl” serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring connection between music, memories, and the timeless bond shared between two individuals whose love story continues to resonate with fans around the world.