Michael Pollack and Billy Joel
Michael Pollack’s encounter with Billy Joel was a pivotal moment in his early career. After moving to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University, Pollack seized an incredible opportunity during a Q&A session with Billy Joel at the university. His bold request to perform “New York State of Mind” alongside the iconic musician was granted, leading to a memorable performance that was captured on video.
The video of Pollack’s performance quickly gained traction online, going viral and propelling him into the spotlight. This sudden popularity led to appearances on several major media platforms, including NBC’s Today show, Good Day New York, the Morning Mashup on SIRIUS XM Radio, and The Jeff Probst Show. These appearances helped establish Pollack as a rising talent and showcased his musical abilities to a wide audience.