Which record label released Billy Joel's album The Stranger?

Columbia released Billy Joel’s album The Stranger.

The Stranger was Joel’s fifth studio album, issued on September 29, 1977, by Columbia Records. It became his commercial breakthrough after Turnstiles had sold modestly, and Columbia had reportedly considered dropping him if the next album failed.

Producer Phil Ramone helped shape the record’s polished but energetic sound, while members of Joel’s touring band performed on many tracks. The album produced enduring songs including “Just the Way You Are,” “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” “She’s Always a Woman,” and “Only the Good Die Young.”

A common mix-up is confusing Columbia with Family Productions, which was also associated with Turnstiles. The Stranger’s label was Columbia, and the album later became one of the label’s biggest-selling releases.