Few songs capture the spirit of storytelling in music quite like Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” Released in 1973, the song has become one of Joel’s signature classics—a blend of barroom nostalgia, character sketches, and the unmistakable sound of a musician who knows how to turn everyday lives into melody. And tonight, it sets the tone for a brand‑new episode of 8 Tracks and 45s with Dan Hull, beginning at 7 p.m. on KNCT.

“Piano Man” was inspired by Joel’s time performing in a Los Angeles lounge under the name Bill Martin. Night after night, he played for regulars who came not just for the music, but for the comfort of familiar faces and familiar stories. Joel turned those encounters into a song that feels like a snapshot of American life—full of dreamers, drifters, and people looking for a moment of escape. With its harmonica intro and sing‑along chorus, “Piano Man” has become an anthem for anyone who’s ever found themselves in a corner booth, listening to a musician who seems to know exactly how they feel.

As Dan Hull opens tonight’s show, “Piano Man” serves as the perfect invitation. It’s a reminder of how music can bring people together, how a single song can paint a room full of characters, and how the best stories often come from the places we least expect. From there, Dan guides listeners through eight tracks and a handful of 45s that continue the tradition—songs with heart, history, and a little bit of magic woven into every note.

Tune in at 7 p.m. on KNCT as 8 Tracks and 45s kicks off with Billy Joel’s timeless classic. Whether you’re a longtime fan or hearing it with fresh ears, “Piano Man” is the kind of opener that sets the mood for an evening of great music and great stories.