In May, Joel completed a US trek that saw him visit states all over the eastern half of the country. His 2006 world tour marked his first solo outing since the '90s. During the interim, he paired with Elton John for the co-headlining "Face to Face" tours.

In February, the six-time Grammy winner released his first new pop song in 14 years, "All My Life." The tune, written for Joel's wife as an anniversary present, was produced by longtime musical associate Phil Ramone. "All My Life" reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Singles Sales chart.

Following 1993's "River of Dreams," Joel said he would not write any more pop songs and he had only offered up classical compositions until "All My Life."

On the album front, the superstar put out the double-CD "12 Gardens Live" last summer. The set features performances from Joel's record-breaking 12-night stand at New York City's Madison Square Garden in April 2006. The year prior, he released the five-disc, career-spanning box-set, "My Lives."

Joel has sold more than 100 million records over the past quarter century, according to his website. He has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters Halls of Fame.