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Behind-The-Scenes Photos: A Look Back At Billy Joel’s ‘River Of Dreams’

This week marks the 21st anniversary of River Of Dreams, Billy Joel's twelfth studio album, released in 1993. The River Of Dreams artwork, painted by Christie Brinkley, alludes to the title track and other songs from the record.

In its four-star review of the album, Rolling Stone wrote, “He again asks the sort of sobering questions about committed love and parental responsibility that he first addressed on The Bridge (1986) and Storm Front (1989). But he raises the stakes with River of Dreams, diving further into the philosophical abyss of middle age with the fury of a dreamer searching for an answer before time fades away.”

The album was well-received, earning strong reviews, hitting #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and getting four Grammy nominations — including Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year. At the 1994 Grammy Awards, Billy interrupted his performance of the title track as a protest against the cutting of Frank Sinatra's acceptance speech at the ceremony.

The music video for “The River Of Dreams” was shot on the Connecticut River, the Providence & Worcester railroad bridge and various other locations in Connecticut. Check out these behind-the-scenes photos from the video shoot, followed by the complete music video:
 

Billy Joel and cinematographer Joseph Yacoe at River Of Dreams video shoot

Billy Joel with Cinematographer Joseph Yacoe on the set of “The River Of Dreams” music video.
 

Billy Joel River Of Dreams video shoot

Billy Joel on the bridge for “The River Of Dreams” music video.
 

Warren Hewlett, director Andy Morahan and Jackson at River Of Dreams video shoot

Producer Warren Hewlett, Director Andy Morahan and Jackson on the set of “The River Of Dreams” music video.
 

Alexa Ray Joel and Christie Brinkley at River Of Dreams video shoot

Alexa Ray Joel and Christie Brinkley on the set of “The River Of Dreams” music video.
 

Billy Joel River Of Dreams video shoot

Billy Joel on the set of “The River Of Dreams” music video.
 

Billy Joel River Of Dreams video shoot

Billy Joel on the set of “The River Of Dreams” music video.
 

Photos by Jeff Schock