Billy Joel is mourning the death of Jon Small, a longtime friend, former bandmate, and creative collaborator whose connection to the singer stretched back more than six decades.
Joel confirmed Small’s death in a social media tribute on September 7, sharing photos from different points in their lives. Small died on September 4 in his late 70s. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
The two musicians first worked together in the 1960s as members of The Hassles. They later formed the hard-rock duo Attila, releasing a self-titled album in 1970. Their friendship went through a difficult period after Joel began a relationship with Small’s then-wife, Elizabeth Weber, but the two men eventually reconciled.
Small later built a successful career directing and producing music videos, concert films and television projects. He reunited professionally with Joel on videos including Uptown Girl, Keeping the Faith and Tell Her About It.
His work also included projects with Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Run-DMC and Aerosmith.