Billy Joel proved to the world that he could become a multimillionaire without a high school diploma. He is ranked as the third best solo artist and sixth best-selling artist in the country. Joel is one of the richest men in the world estimated at a worth of $160 million. He has won six Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Long Island Music Hall of Fame, Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.

On this day, the 43-year-old singer and songwriter, Billy Joel, receives his high school diploma. It only took a quarter century after leaving high school for Joel to officially graduate from Hicksville High. During his senior year, Joel was already in the music scene and did not have enough time to take his school exams. The school pardoned Joel and accepted his published works and proof of speaking engagements as a substitute for his English and gym credits.

Joel always said if he could not attend Columbia University he was going to be signed with Columbia Records where a diploma was not needed.