Singers.com

In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Home | Doo Wop | Barbershop | World | Contemporary | Christian | Vocal Jazz | Choral | Christmas | Instructional | Arrangements

Classical | Opera | Musicals | Personality | Young Singers | Disney | Videos | Songs | The Artists

The Longest Time

Music by Billy Joel

Originally Performed by Billy Joel

"The Longest Time" is a doo-wop single by Billy Joel. The song was released as a single in 1984 as the fourth single from the 1983 album An Innocent Man. It reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. In the United Kingdom the song reached number 25 on the UK Singles Chart.

The song features Joel on lead vocals and all backing vocals. Two musical instruments are present in the song: a bass guitar and a snare drum being played with brushes. When the song is covered by vocal groups, the bass part is typically sung by a human. All other sounds in the song are Joel's vocals, along with percussive sounds such as finger snaps and hand claps. Phil Ramone and Joel had intended to feature a vocal group called The Persuasions but when they sang in the studio, they tended to go flat as the song progressed. The Persuasions were dismissed and Joel recorded each of the parts himself.

    Release Date: 1983 on the album An Innocent Man


Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-11 of 11 items.


Billy Joel : A Cappella for Female Voices : SSAA : Sheet Music Collection

Billy Joel : A Cappella for Female Voices

Contemporary a cappella arranger Deke Sharon does his magic on the classic Billy Joel song "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)". An absolute winner! Kirby Shaw's exquisite a cappella arrangement of this stunning Billy Joel pop ballad "The Longest Time" is available separately: men's and women's ensembles. Don't miss it! Billy Joel's pop hit from 1983 "And So It Goes" is a perennial favorite and evokes an even earlier time in America's pop history. Now available for mixed and SSA voicings, your groups will love to perform these well-crafted arrangements.

Songlist: And So It Goes, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), The Longest Time

More details
Voicing: SSAA | Performed by Billy Joel | 4420b | Sheet Music Collection | $6.45 | A Cappella


Billy Joel : A Cappella for Male Voices : TTBB : Sheet Music Collection

Billy Joel : A Cappella for Male Voices

Billy Joel is surely one of the great songwriters of contemporary pop songs and many of his songs are particularily suited for a cappella singing. Kirby Shaw's exquisite a cappella arrangement of his pop ballad "And So It Goes" is stunning and Kirby also does a fantastic job with "Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel), one of the most poignant and beautiful songs of the '90s. "The Longest Time" is an excellent piece for featuring and recruiting men for your choral program. It is an authentic transcription of the original Billy Joel hit, and as such it will have automatic appeal with both singers and audiences.

Songlist: The Longest Time, And So It Goes, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)

More details
Voicing: TTBB | Performed by Billy Joel | 9011b | Sheet Music Collection | $6.45 | A Cappella


Close Harmony For Men : <span style="color:red;">The Longest Time</span> - 4 Charts and Parts CD : TTBB : Sheet Music & Parts CD : 884088138660 : 08746913

Close Harmony For Men : The Longest Time - 4 Charts and Parts CD

Billy Joel is an American pop music icon who has written and recorded Top ten hits over three separate decades. He has won six Grammy awards for his music, and has sold over 100 million records. Because the melody of 'The Longest Time' has a wide range, be sure to keep the singing light, supported, and free in the upper ranges. Feel free to add finger snaps on the off beats to keep the flow and feel of the original recording. The background 'oo' and 'ah' parts should support the melody with legato articulation. Four copies of the sheet music arrangement plus a CD featuring the full performance plus part-predominant tracks (Tenor, Lead, Baritone, Bass), sung with lyrics.

Songlist: The Longest Time, CD features part-predominant tracks, sung with lyrics., Full Performance, Tenor, Lead, Baritone, Bass

More details
Voicing: TTBB | 9539b | Sheet Music & Parts CD | $29.95 | A Cappella


Deke Sharon : Contemporary A Cappella Songbook I : SATB : Songbook : 073999416497 : 0793595290 : 08741649

Deke Sharon : Contemporary A Cappella Songbook I

Designed to be introductory primers for high school or other beginning groups, the Contemporary A Cappella Association Songbooks nonetheless adhere to a fine musical standard (unlike some beginning arrangements, which can be watered down and unsatisfying). There are informative performance notes and recommendations for transposing parts, to permit performance by all male or female ensembles. In addition, a discography suggests definitive recordings of these popular songs, which can help facilitate the learning process and educate the ear. Easy to use, the CASA songbooks are an excellent resource.

Songlist: Good Old Acapella, Under the Boardwalk, In the Still of the Nite (I'll Remember), Only You (And You Alone), Zombie Jamboree (Back to Back), Silhouettes, The Longest Time, Up On The Roof, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye, Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight

More details
Voicing: SATB | 1002b | Songbook | $11.95 | A Cappella


Kirby Shaw : Women's Classic Pop Vol 5 : SSAA : Sheet Music Collection

Kirby Shaw : Women's Classic Pop Vol 5

Billy Joel's pop hit from 1983 "The Longest Time" is a perennial favorite and evokes an even earlier time in America's pop history. From 1973, the pop hit "Shambala" by Three Dog Night is a buoyant song full of tasty harmonies and a warm gospel groove that will infuse your concert with the hopefulness and joy. This "vocals only" edition will be especially effective for choirs of all types! The intimacy and directness of a cappella singing create a special emotional atmosphere in this tender setting of the Grammy award-winning pop hit "Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton. You will create a magical concert moment with the gentle guitar-style accompaniment recreated by the vocals and the heartfelt lyrics. The #1 hit from 1967 "Groovin'" by the Young Rascals in a smooth vocals-only setting perfectly captures the relaxed slow groove of the song with an easy vocal accompaniment and a irresistible solo.

Songlist: The Longest Time, Shambala, Tears In Heaven, Groovin'

More details
Voicing: SSAA | 8312b | Sheet Music Collection | $8.25 | A Cappella


Roger Emerson : Pop Warm-ups & Work-outs for Choir : Songbook & 1 CD : 884088567996 : 1458400824 : 08753187

Roger Emerson : Pop Warm-ups & Work-outs for Choir

Following the success of Pop Warm-ups & Work-outs for Guys collection, Roger Emerson has created this series of warm-ups for all choirs that use classic rock and pop melodies to build vocal skills while having fun! Each of the ten warm-ups provide a focus objective, suggested learning outcomes and related choral literature for younger and developing ensembles. Warm-ups may be used with changed or unchanged voices. Concepts covered include: vowel shapes, resonance, breath control, head voice and falsetto, articulation and diction and much more!

Songlist: At The Hop, Do-Re-Mi, Don't Stop Believin', Good Vibrations, Hound Dog, Lean On Me, The Longest Time, Spinning Wheel, Thriller, Witch Doctor

More details
7435b | Songbook & 1 CD | $34.95 ON SALE $29.95


Various Arrangers : Close Harmony Fun : TTBB : Sheet Music Collection

Various Arrangers : Close Harmony Fun

Its always fun to sing in close harmony so let's be sure to also sing some really fun songs! Ricky Nelson's 1960's hit "Hello Mary Lou" is a natural for the tight harmony found in this well-crafted barbershop version. Thie Billy Joel hit "The Longest Time" from 1983 is still a favorite with audiences and singers. This Barbershop arrangement will be the hit of your show! The humorous doo-wop hit "Who Put The Bomp (In The Bomp Ba Bomp Ba Bomp)" from 1961 is arranged by the masterful Aaron Dale and is a treat for any quartet to sing. "Bohemian Rhapsody" - This arrangement is an absolute winner! Deke has the wonderful talent of creating arrangements that beginning quartets can sing while simultaneously being very rewarding for more experienced singers.

Songlist: Hello Mary Lou, The Longest Time, Who Put The Bomp (In The Bomp Ba Bomp Ba Bomp), Bohemian Rhapsody

More details
Voicing: TTBB | 4402b | Sheet Music Collection | $10.45 | A Cappella


Various Arrangers : Sing In The Barbershop Quartet - Rock In Harmony  : TTBB : Songbook & 1 CD : 884088270414 : 1423461800 : 00333014

Various Arrangers : Sing In The Barbershop Quartet - Rock In Harmony

These great collections let men sing four-part a cappella harmony with a professionally recorded barbershop quartet. The books include TTBB parts and the CDs feature full performances. Just turn on the CD, open the book, pick your part, and sing along!

Songlist: Day-O (The Banana Boat Song), Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight, Happy Together, Hello Mary Lou, In My Room, The Longest Time, Silhouettes, Under the Boardwalk

More details
Voicing: TTBB | 5473b | Songbook & 1 CD | $14.95 | A Cappella


Various Arrangers : Classic Pop for SAB Voices : SAB : Sheet Music Collection

Various Arrangers : Classic Pop for SAB Voices

The iconic song "Seven Bridges Road" by the Eagles speaks directly to the heart with thrilling vocal harmonies that will showcase your ensemble at their best! "There are stars in the Southern sky/Southward as you go/There is moonlight and moss in the trees/Down the Seven Bridges Road." "We Will Rock You" - Your whole crowd will join in with the stomps and claps as you perform this rock and roll classic! This classic pop hit by Queen will bring down the house. Billy Joel's pop hit "The Longest Time" is a perennial favorite and evokes an even earlier time in America's pop history. "Let It Be" is one of the landmark songs of the 20th century and certainly at the apex of the Beatles catalog, this #1 pop hit in this a cappella setting will be an inspirational choice for choral concerts of all types.

Songlist: The Longest Time, Let It Be, Seven Bridges Road, We Will Rock You

More details
Voicing: SAB | 7105b | Sheet Music Collection | $8.50 | A Cappella


Various Arrangers : Women's Doo Wop : SSAA : Sheet Music Collection

Various Arrangers : Women's Doo Wop

As one of the earliest forms of a cappella singing every group should know at least some of the doo wop classics. "Under The Boardwalk", the 1964 hit by the Drifters, is one of the all time a cappella standards and probably should be in every group's repertoire. Here's a super doo-wop arrangement of Ben E King's 1961 "Stand By Me" and a lovely medley by Ed Lojeski of four doo wop gems. These songs are always crowd pleasers. Billy Joel's hit "The Longest Time" is a perennial favorite and evokes an even earlier time in America's pop history.

Songlist: The Best of Doo-Wop, Stand By Me, Under the Boardwalk, The Longest Time

More details
Voicing: SSAA | 9012b | Sheet Music Collection | $9.45 | A Cappella


Billy Joel : An Innocent Man : Solo : Songbook : 884088912239 : 1480344788 : 00119722

Billy Joel : An Innocent Man

David Rosenthal, Billy's keyboardist and Music Director, has carefully arranged all the tracks from Joel's 1983 release, combining the piano parts and vocal melodies into playable arrangements while transcribing those classic piano parts that are integral to each song. Guitar chord frames are also included. This great souvenir collection even includes several pages of photos and Billy Joel's original hand written lyrics. It includes ten classic songs, including: Careless Talk - Christie Lee - Easy Money - An Innocent Man - Keeping the Faith - Leave a Tender Moment Alone - The Longest Time - Tell Her About It - This Night - Uptown Girl.

Songlist: Easy Money, Careless Talk, Christie Lee, This Night, An Innocent Man, Keeping The Faith, Leave A Tender Moment Alone, The Longest Time, Tell Her About It, Uptown Girl

More details
Voicing: Solo | Performed by Billy Joel | 20238b | Songbook | $16.95 | PVG


Individual Folios

Displaying 1-4 of 4 items.


The Longest Time : TTBB : Roger Emerson : Billy Joel : Billy Joel : Songbook : 40326166 : 073999261660

Roger Emerson : The Longest Time

This is an excellent piece for featuring and recruiting men for your choral program. It is an authentic transcription of the original Billy Joel hit, and as such it will have automatic appeal with both singers and audiences.

Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel

More details
Voicing: TTBB | Sheet Music | $2.30 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 40326166


The Longest Time : TTBB : Tom Gentry : Billy Joel : Billy Joel : Sheet Music : 08746913 : 884088138660

Tom Gentry : The Longest Time

This Billy Joel hit from 1983 is still a favorite with audiences and singers. This Barbershop arrangement will be the hit of your show!Available separately: TTBB a cappella and VoiceTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 2:30.

Arranger: Tom Gentry | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel

More details
Voicing: TTBB | Sheet Music | $1.95 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08746913 | Digital Version Available


The Longest Time : SATB : Tom Gentry : Billy Joel : Billy Joel : Sheet Music : 00334030

Tom Gentry : The Longest Time

This Billy Joel hit from 1983 is still a favorite with audiences and singers. This Barbershop arrangement will be the hit of your show!

Arranger: Tom Gentry | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel

More details
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $3.20 | A Cappella |
00334030 | Digital Version Available
Other Voicings: SSAA, SSAA


The Longest Time : SSA : Kirby Shaw : Billy Joel : Billy Joel : Sheet Music : 08202683 : 884088499297

Kirby Shaw : The Longest Time

Billy Joel's pop hit from 1983 is a perennial favorite and evokes an even earlier time in America's pop history. Now available for mixed and SSA voicings, your groups will love to perform these well-crafted arrangements. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Billy Joel Performed By: Billy Joel

More details
Voicing: SSA | Sheet Music | $2.15 | A Cappella |
(Minimum order 4 copies)
| 08202683 | Digital Version Available
Other Voicings: SAB, SAB, SATB

Vocal Harmony Arrangements - Home

Christian | Gospel | Standards | Musicals | Specialty | World | Barbershop | Contemporary | Vocal Jazz | Choral | Christmas

Mixed Voices | Female | Male | 8 Parts | 6 Parts | 5 Parts | 3 Parts | 2 Parts | Medleys | Solo | Folio Series | New Releases


Select a Category






Lists of Songs With Arrangements


Hear about Local A Cappella Events and Auditions

Enter your email address and zip code to be informed about local a cappella performances.

Email Address: ZIP code (5 digit):


Want to Sing? - Find a Chorus Near You


List of Choruses by State | List of Choruses by City

Specialty Arrangements


Find a Song