Joel combed the eastern half of the country in the spring. Last year, he embarked on his first solo world tour since the '90s--although during the interim, he paired with Elton John for several co-headlining "Face to Face" tours.

Back in February, Joel issued "All My Life," his first new pop song in 14 years. Written for Joel's wife as an anniversary present, the song was produced by longtime musical associate Phil Ramone and 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 had only offered up classical compositions until "All My Life."

In June, the six-time Grammy winner released "12 Gardens Live," a double-CD set that features material recorded during Joel's record-breaking 12-night stand at New York City's Madison Square Garden in April of last year. The live set follows Joel's five-disc, career-spanning box-set, "My Lives," which surfaced in 2005

Joel has sold more than 100 million records over the past quarter century, according to his website. His "Greatest Hits Volume I and II" has moved more than 20 million copies, making it the best-selling hits album by a male artist.

The star has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been honored with the Grammy Legend award.