Jon Small dead: Billy Joel pays emotional tribute to ex-bandmate & music producer who worked with Kenny Rogers & Run-DMC

Add us as a preferred source TRAGIC LOSS Jon Small dead: Billy Joel pays emotional tribute to ex-bandmate & music producer who worked with Kenny Rogers & Run-DMC BILLY Joel's ex-bandmate, long-time collaborator and former best friend Jon Small has died. The music producer – also known for his work with Kenny Rogers and Run-DMC – died on Friday, one of his pals said on Facebook. Advertisement His cause of death is currently unclear and he was in his late 70s. Touching tributes poured in for the musician – including from the Piano Man himself who said: 'RIP Jon Small.' Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. Joel and Small go back to the 1960s – when they were bandmates in The Hassles. The pair eventually splintered off to form the hard-rock duo Attila where Joel played keyboard and vocals while Small was on drums. Advertisement Their rock solid friendship was eventually shattered when Joel fell in love with Small's wife Elizabeth Weber. She later divorced Small and married Joel. Advertisement The seismic breakup ended their friendship temporarily – but they eventually reconciled with one another. Small later became a major music video and concert director, working with Joel on projects like 'Live From Long Island,' 'Live at Yankee Stadium' and 'Live at Shea Stadium'. The producer was also known for his work alongside other industry giants like Run-DMC, Aerosmith, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire. Joel and Small's turbulent past was detailed in the 2025 HBO documentary 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes'. In the film, Joel admitted he deserved the punch in the nose Small gave him for the affair. Advertisement Breaking news… More to follow…