Jon Small, who collaborated numerous times with rock legend Billy Joel, has died.
Videos by Wide Open Country
As reported by PEOPLE, Small asked Joel to join the rock band Attila after the breakup of their previous band, the Hassles. The duo's relationship would become fractured after the "Piano Man" married Small's ex-wife. It is believed Small was in his late 70s when he died.
Billy Joel and Jon Small Did "Everything Together"
The death of Small was confirmed by Joel on his Instagram page. The singer posted two pictures of themselves at different times in their life. The caption read, "RIP Jon Small."
"We were like a pig in a blanket. He was the pig, and I was the blanket. We did everything together," said Small in last year's HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes.
Joel didn't want to join the Hassles at first. But Small knew Joel was talented and offered a Hammond B-3 organ if he became a member of the group. Joel helped the band get a record deal after his song," Every Step I Take," became a success.
"With all bands, you always have arguments about the creative way you're going," said Small in the doc. "Amongst the Hassles, only Billy and I were as serious. Me and Billy, we were in sync, and the other guys weren't. And then we realized that we didn't need the other guys. So we left the Hassles."
Joel Fell for Small's Wife
After forming Attila, Joel moved in with Small and his family to maximize practice time. But their friendship took a turn when Joel fell in love with Elizabeth, Small's wife.
"Something was the matter," explained Small in the doc. "And Billy one day came up to me, became a little honest, and said to me, 'I'm in love with your wife.' So it was a very devastating thing for me, because these were basically my two best friends."
Joel felt like a "homewrecker." He attempted suicide twice over the matter. It was Small who took Joel to the hospital during his second attempt.
"Even though our friendship had blown up, Jon saved my life," said Joel.
Joel and Elizabeth would marry in 1973. She became his manager and is credited with launching his career. They divorced in 1982.
Small produced several of Joel's music videos, including "Uptown Girl" and "Tell Her About It." He was nominated for a Grammy Award for his work on Joel's concert film, Live at Yankee Stadium.
Small was also inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2025 as a member of the Hassles.
