Multi-instrumentalist Crystal Taliefero — best known for her work with ongoing work with Billy Joel, along with Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp — revealed she was diagnosed with Stage Two breast cancer in February. In a new wide-ranging interview with Rolling Stone, Taliefero spoke candidly about all aspects of her career, but couldn't help but show some major love for the “Piano Man” — who's been helping her during this troubling time.
She said, “Here’s another thing about my boss. I have to say it. When I got diagnosed, he was the first one that jumped right in and said, 'Check this doctor out. We have a relationship with these guys over here.' So helpful. And that’s for all of us. When a tech guy had to have surgery for his diabetes, Billy was all over that. He cares. He really, genuinely cares about his family. And I consider this my road family.”
Taliefero, who began touring with Billy Joel in support of his 1989 Storm Front album, explained, “He’s always been upfront with us, which is a rarity these days. If I can be a little candid about my boss. . . It doesn’t get any better. This is it. You’re not going to see too many people like him. He’s a rarity. He does things that 90 percent of other people just don’t do. He thinks about us. He’s concerned about us. During this pandemic, he’s paid our salaries. Come on, man. I’m starting to get emotional here. . . Pretty amazing. It’s unselfish. It’s loving. It’s all of the above. That’s probably one of the main reasons he’s been so blessed. He’s not a taker, let’s put it like that.”