About this episode
In this profoundly moving first installment of a two-part episode, Documentary First host Christian Taylor interviews Steve Cohen, Billy Joel’s longtime creative director and the executive producer of the new HBO docuseries Billy Joel: And So It Goes.Steve Cohen, the executive producer, shares his journey from lighting stages to producing emotional documentaries, emphasizing the collaborative effort that brings these stories to life.Steve reflects on:Meeting Billy Joel in 1974 and forging a lifelong creative partnershipThe soul of Billy Joel’s songwriting: honesty, heartbreak, and healingHow Susan Lacy’s empathetic direction helped uncover hidden emotional truthsWhat it means to tell someone else's story with care, depth, and dignityThe healing power of revisiting past relationships through artFor listeners who’ve ever found themselves in a song—or wanted to understand the quiet brilliance behind a musical legend—this episode is a masterclass in the art of documentary storytelling and a heartfelt tribute to legacy, resilience, and human connection.No DocuView Déjà Vu Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Emotional Connection04:04 The Journey Begins: Meeting Billy Joel08:03 The Documentary: A Deep Dive into Billy Joel's Life11:57 The Collaborative Process of Filmmaking15:52 The Role of Relationships in Billy Joel's Music20:03 Reflections on Billy Joel's Legacy and Impact30:45 The Emotional Connection of Music36:00 Creating Comfort in Documentary Filmmaking39:41 The Art of Storytelling Through MusicSponsor: http://ArtillerySports.com Use the code DocFirst for 10% off your order today!
