Liberty DeVitto
Rock | 2014Liberty DeVitto played in Billy Joel’s band for 30 years and can be heard on some of Joel’s best-known hits such as “Only the Good Die Young” and “Just the Way You Are.” Over the course of his career, DeVitto has played with Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger, Roger Daltrey, Ronnie Spector, Karen Carpenter, Phoebe Snow, Elton John, Meatloaf, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello, Elvis Costello, and many more. In 2013, he was inducted into The Classic Drummer’s Hall of Fame. Born in New City, DeVitto moved with his family to Long Island in 1951. Shortly after graduating from Seaford High School in 1968, Liberty headed out on the road with Detroit rocker Mitch Ryder. His first recording experience—with Long Island’s Richie Supa—soon followed. During a tour to promote their album, an auto accident resulted in injuries that would prevent DeVitto from playing drums for a year. A steady Long island live gig intended to ease him back into music led to the formation of the group “Topper,” which would eventually become Billy Joel’s band.