Jim Brickman, who recorded “Hawaii Rain” with ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, will perform April 16 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Courtesy photo

Renowned for his romantic pop ballads, Grammy-nominated piano player Jim Brickman has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and his songs have amassed 2 billion streams.

“There are not a lot of solo piano artists doing what I do now,” Brickman said. “When I started there were a bunch like George Winston. I’m thankful to say I’m kind of the only one that still is touring as much as I do. David Benoit tours, but it’s jazz, a totally different thing.”

Playing April 16 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Brickman recorded the beautiful instrumental “Hawaii Rain” a couple of years ago with ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro for the album “Brickman Across America: Heart & Soul of American Music (Vol. 1).”

“I’m fortunate enough to say that (Shimabukuro) has been a big fan of mine for many years and I of him,” said Brickman. “We wrote the song together and recorded it at Jake’s house in Hawaii the last time I was there. He’s just uber-talented.”

One of the best-selling solo pianists of our time, Brickman has earned 22 No. 1 albums on Billboard’s New Age chart, while some of his songs have landed in the adult contemporary, smooth jazz, gospel, pop and even country charts.

Jim Brickman is a solo pianist and songwriter who has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. Courtesy photo

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Brickman rose to prominence with albums like “By Heart” and “Picture This,” earning multiple gold and platinum records. His collaborations helped broaden his appeal, pairing his piano arrangements with vocalists across genres. These included “Valentine” with country star Martina McBride, “Starbright” with Kenny Loggins and “Your Love” with country artist Michelle Wright. Carly Simon, Olivia Newton-John and Lady A also contributed to his recordings.

In recent years, he has released a “Soothe” series for relaxation, meditation, yoga and massage. His album, “Soothe Sailing: Brickman Plays Yacht Rock (Vol. 1),” includes interpretations of Christopher Cross’ “Sailing,” America’s “Sister Golden Hair” and Seals and Crofts’ “Summer Breeze.”

“I’m always a big proponent of the fact that people tell you what they want to hear from you,” Brickman explained. “What they respond to the most of what you do is, ‘It’s so soothing. It’s so relaxing and calms me down.’ People are finding solace with music these days. … Stylistically, it’s just innate for me.”

For his MACC show, he said it will be a mix of piano instrumentals and vocal songs. “I do sing quite a bit in the show and I have a featured male vocalist, John Trones, with me as well. It’s largely the songs of mine that people want to hear, and I do a tribute to ‘Sesame Street’ because I began my career writing songs for ‘Sesame Street.’ People love them and they’re warm and nostalgic.”

He will also host a sing-along. “What makes it special is that we record the sing-along and then we send the recording to the audience,” he explained. “If people want it, they just click a QR code and we send them the recording, which is a nice memento.”

And for the finale, “At the end of the show, there is a live by request. If there’s a song that people want to hear that they haven’t heard, they can shout it out.”

“Hits Live! In Concert” with Jim Brickman will be at 7:30 p.m. April 16 in the MACC’s Castle Theater. Tickets are $37 to $77 at mauiarts.org with a limited number of premium seats for $137.