NEW YORK (AP) - A former drummer for Billy Joel claims that the Grammy Award-winning singer of hits like "Uptown Girl" has stiffed him out of royalties for years.

Former drummer Liberty DeVitto has filed a lawsuit in Manhattan state Supreme Court demanding that Joel pay him overdue royalties.

The 58-year-old says he was Joel's drummer from 1975 to 2005 and that he helped the piano man to craft some of his major albums.

Joel's spokeswoman did not immediately return a message requesting comment on Sunday.

DeVitto's lawyer says he doesn't know how much his client is owed. He says Joel's sales are subject to an audit.

DeVitto says he's working as a studio musician and teaching to support his family, including three children.

Joel has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.