Dear Billy,
I have been a fan of yours for about 42 years (since I'm six years old), and, as a singer/songwriter in my recent years, I absolutely list you as one of my greatest influences.
This coming Friday, April 14, 2017, will be the 40th show of your Madison Square Garden residency. It will be the 32nd residency show that I will be attending (about my 60th performance of yours ever). It also happens to be my 48th birthday.
I would certainly consider it one of the greatest moments of my life and the ultimate birthday gift if you would just grant me the privilege to accompany you on harmonica during your performance of "Piano Man".
Knowing full well that you should audition me for such a huge request, I have included an audio and a video performance of me performing "Piano Man". In both cases, these are my vocals and harmonica over a karaoke track:
https://www.reverbnation.com/joemelillo4/song/21186115-piano-man-live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyAIPlWTCzU
Of course, I am using a C harmonica in these performances. I could tell that you've lowered the key for your live performances since first recording the song. While Wikipedia lists you as now playing in Bb, it does sound more like A to me. In the event that you grant me this request, I will be sure to have both keys on hand.
You should also know that I played harmonica with Michael DelGuidice on :"Piano Man" several years ago. I doubt he'll remember that, but it happened more than once!
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this shot in the dark attempt at checking several items off my bucket list! Even if I don't hear back from you, I hope I've been able to make you understand how big an influence you've been able to have on me.
Sincerely,
Joe Melillo