Billy Joel Claims Shadow Morton Stole His Work

Billy Joel, Hicksville Long Island 1964 Billy Joel recalls... “I played on Shadow Morton dates in a studio, in Levittown—it was in somebody’s basement. The Shangri-Las used to record there. But I didn’t know who it was; all I knew was, I was playing the piano. I didn’t even get paid; I wasn’t in the union. I think I played on a couple Shangri-Las records, I’m not sure. Because in those days, you didn’t play with the singer, you played the basic track and later on you found out you were on such and such a record. I was just grateful that I played.” RollingStone - Billy Joel: The Miracle of 52nd Street 12/14/1978

"The first time I remember actually being in a professional recording situation was in a basement studio in Levittown called Dynamic Studios," he says. "It was 1964 and I was fourteen years old, and the guy producing the sessions for Red Bird Records was named Shadow Morton. I was asked to play piano on these two songs, 'Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)' and 'Leader of the Pack' ... There were no singers at the time, and whether I cut a demo or the final master, I don't know, but I played on the recordings of those two songs, never got paid, and I was thrilled to even be in a professional recording situation." Billboard Dec 3, 1994 - Billy Joel 1994 Recipient of the Century Award "I played on a session with “Shadow” Morton for two songs: “Remember (Walkin’ in the Sand)” and “Leader of the Pack.” We did the recordings before the Shangri-Las sang on them. I’m pretty sure it was me. I saw an interview with Ellie Greenwich [the song’s co-writer], and she said it wasn’t me. I never got paid, though, so it doesn’t make any difference." RollingStone - Q&A: Billy Joel 12/15/2005 Note: Although Blly Joel remembers Dynamic Sound being in Levittown, it was actually located in the neighboring town of Hicksville.