Billy Joel Performs 'New York State of Mind' With Vanderbilt Student (Video)

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Billy Joel went to Vanderbilt University in January for “An Evening of Questions and Answers and a Little Bit of Music” and got all three from Vanderbilt University freshman Michael Pollack.

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The aspiring artist told Joel that his favorite song was “New York State of Mind.”

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"I was able to play with Richie Cannata [Joel’s saxophonist] many times in New York City, and I was wondering if I could play with you?” asked Pollack. The “Piano Man” consented with a nonchalant “OK,” and the audience responded with a roar of applause, as the fan made his way up to his idol onstage.

The ovation didn’t end there. Pollack played a flawless rendition on the piano, while Joel sang the song from his fourth studio album, 1976’s Turnstiles.

When it was over, Joel offered his own applause: “That’s Michael Pollack. Remember that name. Nice going, Michael. [The] guy’s got chops.”

Watch the feel-good moment below.