5 Things to Know About Phil Ramone's Production of 52nd Street
- Phil Ramone produced the album, bringing his signature polished sound to Billy Joel’s work.
- The album won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1979, partly due to Ramone’s production.
- Ramone used a clean, radio-friendly approach that highlighted Joel’s piano and vocals.
- He recorded the album at A&R Recording in New York, a studio he co-founded.
- The production style helped 52nd Street become Joel’s first number-one album on the Billboard 200.