For Crystal Taliefero, the rock-n-roll express began in the late 80s while touring with John Mellencamp, mainly as a percussionist and backup singer. But her career ignited after meeting Billy Joel in 1989.
She was invited to a recording session to add percussion to Joel’s mega hit, “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” The session was a success and the Piano Man asked her to stay on with his tour. Ever since, she’s been Joel’s number one Sidewoman on stage.
That 1989 Billy Joel Storm Front Tour launched Taliefero on a three decade career of touring with some of the biggest names, including Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Joe Cocker, and the Bee Gees, among others.
The versatile performer plays a variety of instruments and sings duets and covers with whomever she might be touring with at the time. She’s also developed a bit of a following herself and fans yelling “Crystal” can often be heard during performances.
The Nashville resident recently sat down with Rolling Stone Magazine to talk about her career, what’s she’s learned along the way, and what it’s like fighting breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was diagnosed in February.
Read the full interview here.
Here’s a great clip of Crystal Taliefero adding her touch to the end of “Scenes At An Italian Restaurant,” live in Miami in 2015.
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