Sorry for the banging noises, not sure what caused them.

Billy Joel is one of the most versatile musicians and singers, I just love his lyrics and style.
The Longest Time...
The song features Joel on lead vocals, all backing vocals, and percussive sounds such as finger snaps and hand claps. The only two instruments in the song are a bass guitar and a snare drum being played with brushes[citation needed]. When the song is covered by vocal groups, the bass part is typically sung. Phil Ramone and Joel had intended to feature a vocal group but Joel recorded each of the parts himself.