Elizabeth Ann Weber, born in 1942, became widely known as the first wife of rock ‘n’ roll legend Billy Joel. Their relationship, which began with an extra-marital affair, eventually led to marriage and a complex partnership both personally and professionally. Despite the challenges they faced, Weber’s influence on Joel’s music remains undeniable.
Early Life and Background
Elizabeth Ann Weber, often referred to as “Bea,” was a native of New York. She attended a private high school before graduating from New York University. Details about her professional life and qualifications remain mostly unknown. Before meeting Joel, Weber was married to Jon Small, the drummer of Joel’s former band, The Hassles.
Weber and Joel met through Small in 1970. Their attraction led to a romantic relationship despite Weber’s existing marriage. This affair marked the beginning of a significant yet tumultuous period in both their lives.
Inspiration Behind the Music
Billy Joel’s relationship with Weber had a profound impact on his music. After their first separation, Joel’s mental health took a severe hit, leading to struggles with alcohol addiction and depression. During this difficult time, songwriting became his refuge. Several of Joel’s iconic songs were inspired by Weber, including “She’s Got a Way” and “She’s Always a Woman.”
Their marriage in September 1973 was marked by Joel’s deep affection for Weber. However, those close to Joel often described Weber as controlling and manipulative. Despite these characterizations, Joel continued to express his feelings for her through his music, with songs like “Just the Way You Are” dedicated to her.
A Dramatic Relationship
The relationship between Weber and Joel was anything but smooth. After Jon Small discovered the affair, Weber disappeared, leaving both men in emotional turmoil. Joel, facing financial struggles and living in his mother’s house, became deeply depressed and suicidal. Small eventually rushed to Joel’s aid, helping him through this dark period.
Weber eventually returned, and the couple rekindled their relationship. They married and Weber became Joel’s manager, owning 50% of his net worth and taking a managerial cut from his earnings. This business arrangement, however, brought its own set of complications, particularly with the involvement of Weber’s brother, Frank.
Managing Billy Joel’s Career
As Joel’s manager, Weber played a crucial role in his career. She helped navigate his path to success despite criticisms from those who considered Joel’s style as lacking taste. However, Weber’s influence extended beyond professional boundaries, often causing tension due to her controlling nature.
Weber’s brother, Frank, also managed Joel’s finances, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship. Joel’s discomfort with this arrangement was reflected in his song “The Stranger.” Eventually, the strains on their marriage and business partnership became too much, leading to their divorce in 1982.
The End of a Marriage
The end of Weber and Joel’s marriage was marked by emotional and financial turmoil. Despite Joel’s hopes of reconciliation and his efforts to meet her demands, including buying her a multimillion-dollar home, their relationship could not be salvaged. The final blow came when Weber visited Joel in the hospital after a motorcycle accident, asking him to sign over his assets to her.
Joel’s disillusionment with Weber culminated in their divorce. Even during the proceedings, Weber’s brother Frank sided with Joel, only to later be discovered as having embezzled nearly $30 million from Joel’s income. This led to a lawsuit where Joel sought compensation and additional damages.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Weber’s life became largely private. She maintained a low profile, avoiding the media spotlight. It is unclear if she continued her involvement in the music industry, though she did explore acting. Weber appeared in films such as “Species” (1998), “Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2” (2000), and “The Purge: Election Year” (2016).
Weber had one child, Sean Small, with her first husband, Jon Small. Sean’s privacy was well-guarded, though he was mentioned in Joel’s biography and appeared on the cover of Joel’s “Turnstiles” album in 1976.
Billy Joel’s Life Post-Weber
After his marriage to Weber, Billy Joel found love again with supermodel Christie Brinkley, followed by marriages to Katie Lee and Alexis Roderick. Joel’s subsequent relationships were more public, and he became a father to three children with Roderick.
Elizabeth Ann Weber’s influence on Billy Joel’s music and career is a significant chapter in his life. Despite the dramatic and often painful aspects of their relationship, the songs she inspired remain some of Joel’s most beloved works. Her story is one of complex emotions and enduring impact on the world of rock ‘n’ roll.
