At Billy Joel’s unforgettable Madison Square Garden concert on April 26, 2024, the audience was treated to a heartfelt surprise when Alexa Ray Joel, Billy Joel’s daughter, took the stage to perform “To Sir with Love” as a touching tribute to her father. Earlier in the evening, Alexa Ray had already shared the stage with her dad for a rendition of “Say Goodbye to Hollywood,” adding to the evening’s emotional resonance.
“To Sir with Love,” a classic from the 1967 hit drama film of the same name, held significant sentimental value for Alexa Ray, who reminisced onstage about her father introducing her to the song when she was just a young girl. Her performance was not only a showcase of her vocal talent but also a poignant expression of her love and admiration for her dad, which resonated deeply with the audience in New York City.
Addressing the crowd, Alexa Ray shared, “This is a song that my father introduced to me when I was just a little girl, and it’s a real classic throwback. I feel like it’s the kind of song that one should sing to their hero.” She then turned to Billy Joel, saying, “You’re my hero dad, believe it! My musical hero, a hero to New York. So thank you, Dad, I love you so much.”
Billy Joel, who has been performing monthly residencies at Madison Square Garden since January 27, 2014, has often shared the stage with Alexa Ray during these memorable shows. In addition to their duet of “New York State of Mind” in both 2019 and 2024, Alexa Ray’s rendition of “To Sir with Love” has become a standout moment, garnering significant attention on YouTube with 1.1 million views and counting.
Fans and viewers alike were touched by the emotional father-daughter moment, with comments pouring in such as “This young woman obviously inherited her dad’s musical ability. No Auto-Tune or computer tricks. Just pure singing talent” and “The amount of love and pride on his face is priceless. She truly is talented and sings beautifully.”
Born on December 29, 1985, Alexa Ray Joel has carved her own niche in the music industry, releasing her debut EP, Sketches, in 2006, and continuing to build her career with several singles over the years. Her performances alongside her father not only highlight their musical connection but also underscore the enduring bond they share as father and daughter.