Jon Small, the acclaimed drummer, director, and producer best known for his collaboration with Billy Joel, has died in his late 70s, according to multiple reports. His death was first shared publicly on Facebook by his friend Gigi Shapiro, drawing widespread tributes from across the music industry.
Early Career and Musical Collaborations with Billy Joel
Jon Small began his career in the music industry as a drummer.
Small’s deep ties to the Long Island music community were recently celebrated when he was inducted as a member of The Hassles into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 28, 2025. The organization issued a statement on Facebook noting they were saddened to learn of the passing of their inductee, describing him as an “acclaimed drummer-turned-video-director” who was “such a pleasure to work with.”
Transition to Directing Music Videos and Concert Films
Following his time performing in bands, Jon Small built a massive career behind the camera as a director and producer of music videos, television specials, and concert films. According to reporting from Parade Magazine, Small directed music videos for a diverse roster of major musical acts, including Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Run DMC, Luke Combs, Blake Shelton, the Beach Boys, and Aerosmith.
Colleagues and friends shared memories of working with him across various projects. Steve Brown offered condolences on social media, writing to Billy Joel, “Jon was great. Additionally, musician John Bohlinger paid tribute on Facebook, calling Small “one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever known” and describing him as an “incredibly talented, wildly funny, generous, loving, amazing person” and a “mentor.”
Legacy in the Entertainment Industry
Jon Small’s influence stretched from the early psychedelic rock scene of the late 1960s into the golden era of MTV music videos and high-profile concert productions. Gigi Shapiro recalled seeing Small backstage at the landmark “Billy Joel’s Last Play at Shea” concerts, noting those were “2 of the most amazing nights of music and special guests.” Surviving family details and the specific cause of death have not been publicly detailed in reports.
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