EXCLUSIVE: A music producer who worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Johnny Mathis and Billy Ray Cyrus, has claimed Billy Joel has an ‘adamant’ opinion on his next move
Billy Joel has had a prestigious career spanning over five decades, and one man who previously worked with him has claimed to know his next move.
While the Piano Man singer, 75, continues to tour and showcase his iconic tunes, pal and fellow musician Fred Mollin isn’t so sure he’ll be releasing any new tunes. Billy last released a new song, titled Turn the Lights Back On, on February 1, 2024. The track was his first new single since Christmas in Fallujah in 2007.
But Fred, who co-produced Just Across the River with fellow Long Islander Billy, is convinced that will be his last.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Fred adamantly said: “He does not want to make another record.” He then added: “If he did, I might get the call, but he’s adamant he’ll never make another record.
“He doesn’t write songs anymore. He writes musical pieces, he doesn’t write songs anymore.”
He also explained how their bond began with their South Shore of Long Island connection. “He’s a hometown hero to me and I’ve always loved his music,” Fred said. “I was absolutely his biggest fan when his first albums came out and years later I was doing a duets album for Jimmy Webb.
“I decided to do a duet of Wichita Lineman. I remember Jimmy saying it was Billy’s favourite song and I said we’d have to do it with him and he said ‘I’m there’. We got along famously,” Fred added.
Fred was speaking ahead of the release of his new book titled Unplugged in which he opens up on his career spanning over five decades. His biggest hit comes in the form of his co-production of Dan Hill’s Sometimes When We Touch, and as well as working with Billy, Fred has worked alongside other huge stars such as Johnny Mathis, Kris Kristofferson and Billy Ray Cyrus.
The Grammy nominated star has also been a part of the music set up for huge television and movie productions, including the Friday 13th series and Beverly Hills 90210.
However, it was him time working with Disney on their popular Disney Lullaby albums that he is especially proud of. “I love doing music for children,” he gushed.
“It makes me happy, and I know it does some good. We had an idea to use Disney songs and other songs and make instrumental versions to put the baby to bed.
“I have to tell you, it is probably one of the most successful records I’ve ever done. It’s been out since 1999 and it’s gone gold. It’s also heading towards platinum and the streaming numbers are off the charts.
He has since done another six similar albums and he added: “You know, it really has become this beautiful gift that I’ve been able to give. On some levels, I feel it’s a beautiful gift to put a child to sleep and to calm down a child. I’m so proud of all of it. I really think it does good.”
Fred added: “The one thing I have to tell you is that me daughter is 38 and she has two kids of her own and she puts them to sleep with my lullaby albums, which I think is delightful.
“However, her lullaby music when she was five or four, because her bedroom was directly above my basement studio when I was doing Friday 13th part seven, part eight. You name it, I was doing all these horror music that she heard as lullabies. She never had a problem with it I guess.
“When I did the first lullaby album she must have been about 15 and she listened to it and just said ‘good timing, dad.”
Source: Mirror
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