Passage Five
Billy Joel was born on Long Island, in New York State. He began taking piano lessons at an early age and joined his first rock band when he was fourteen. After playing in a number of Long Island groups, Billy began concentrating on his song-writing. His first album of completely original songs was Cold Spring Harbor. It was released in 1972. Two years later, after the release of the smash-hit albums Piano Man and Street-life Serenade. Billy was named "Best New Male Vocalist" by Cask Box magazine.
51. Billy Joel began taking piano lessons ______.

A. when he joined his first rock band
B. after he was named "Best New Male Vocalist"
C. at fourteen
D. before he was fourteen years old