Russell Javors

Russell Javors
Born (1952-06-13) June 13, 1952
Origin Brooklyn, New York, United States
Genres Pop, pop rock, rock
Occupation(s) Musician
Instruments Guitar, harmonica, backing vocals
Years active 1967–present
Associated acts Billy Joel
Topper
The Lords of 52nd Street

Russell Javors (born June 13, 1952) is an American rock guitarist. He is best known as a rhythm guitarist for Billy Joel from 1976 to 1989.

Career

At age 15, Javors was performing songs with his childhood friend Liberty DeVitto. He met Doug Stegmeyer in high school and along with Howard Emerson, formed the band Topper.[1]

Together they performed the songs that Javors wrote. Topper became noticed by Billy Joel. Joel found he needed a bassist on his Streetlife Serenade tour and invited Stegmeyer to join him. Javors and DeVitto soon followed. With the addition of multi-instrumentalist Richie Cannata, Topper became the Billy Joel Band. Javors played rhythm guitar with Joel from 1976 until 1989.

On October 23, 2014, Javors, Cannata, and DeVitto (with Stegmeyer, posthumously) were inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, primarily for their work with Joel.[2] Shortly thereafter, Javors, Cannata, and DeVitto officially formed The Lords of 52nd Street band; the band also includes a pianist and lead vocalist, keyboardist, and a guitarist, and plays faithful renditions of the recorded Joel originals.[3]

Javors also recorded guitar parts for Karen Carpenter's 1979 self-titled album, which was released in 1996.[4]

See also

Billy Joel album credits

References

  1. ↑ Smith, Bill. I Go To Extremes: The Billy Joel Story. London: Robson, 2007. 135.
  2. ↑ Gamboa, Glenn (October 23, 2014). "Billy Joel Band set to join Piano Man in Long Island Music Hall of Fame". New York Newsday. Retrieved July 14, 2016.
  3. ↑ Filipski, Kevin (February 5, 2016). "Interview with Guitarist Russell Javors". Flipsidereviews.blogspot.com. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  4. ↑ Tobler, John. The Complete Guide to the Music of The Carpenters. London: Omnibus, 1998. 128.


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