Billy Joel & The Hassles - You’ve Got Me Hummin’ - Vjoew 13-05-1968 - Toppop

We publish this unique and rare video because it could be one of Billy Joel’s first ever recorded videos! The Hassles found their place in music history as Billy Joel’s first recorded moment, but musically they deserve more. Though they only released two albums, the Hassles were a pretty proficient, highly enjoyable, though not particularly groundbreaking act that saw a fair amount of local attention in the Long Island area. The Hassles were a blue-eyed soul band, modeled somewhat after the Rascals, formed in Long Island in 1964 by drummer Jon Small, singer John Dizek, organist Harry Webber, and guitarist Richie McKenna. Webber was fired from the band in 1966 due to erratic behavior and Billy Joel, who had earned a local reputation as a keyboardist with the Echoes, the Lost Souls, and the Commandos (as Billy Joe Joel), was enlisted to take his place on the condition that the band also take on bassist Howie Blauvelt. The Hassles were most notable for recording the first releases t