The Longest Time is a doo-wop song by Billy Joel, released in March 1984 as the fourth single from his 1983 album An Innocent Man. The tune is performed in the style of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, paying tribute to Joel’s doo-wop influences, and Joel handles lead vocals along with all backing vocals, finger snaps and hand claps, having recorded each part himself. It reached number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and peaked at 25 in the UK. The music video, directed by Jay Dubin, was shot at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and features a high school reunion gym scene. The track runs 3 minutes and 40 seconds and its B-side is Christie Lee; it was produced by Phil Ramone. It has earned multiple certifications including 2x Platinum in the United States, Silver in the United Kingdom, and Gold in New Zealand.
