Small and Joel were once close collaborators, playing together in bands like the Hassles and Attila. At the time, Joel was known as a rising talent, and Small was already gaining recognition for his songwriting. Their partnership was a key part of Joel's early career, helping him develop his musical style. Before Joel became widely known as the Piano Man, a nickname he earned later in his career, a personal conflict arose between him and Small. It was revealed that Joel had an affair with Small’s wife, which led to a temporary breakdown in their friendship. This personal issue created a rift that affected their professional relationship as well. Despite this setback, both musicians continued their careers separately. Joel went on to achieve significant fame with his solo work, while Small remained active in the music scene, though often in the background. Their shared history, however, remains a notable part of music industry lore. The incident serves as a reminder of how personal relationships can impact professional collaborations. While their friendship was once central to their success, it ultimately faced challenges that changed the course of their careers.