Elton John gives White House performance for US president and ‘history makers’

Sir Elton John gave a particular efficiency on the White Home garden to the US president and First Woman and round 2000 “on a regular basis historical past makers” on Friday evening.

The occasion, A Evening When Hope and Historical past Rhyme, noticed an viewers that included academics, college students, nurses, LGBTQ+ advocates, navy households and psychological well being advocates assemble on the South Garden to look at the multiple-Grammy award profitable artist.

Organised by the Historical past Channel and A+E Networks, Sir Elton carried out a number of of his smash hits, together with Tiny Dancer, Rocketman and Don’t Let the Solar Go Down on Me, earlier than president Joe Biden and Dr Jill Biden stunned the singer with the Nationwide Humanities Medal for his work to finish Aids and help these dwelling with the situation by way of the Elton John Aids Basis.

In accepting the award, Sir Elton stated he felt honoured and emotional by the popularity.

“Since I based the Basis at my kitchen desk in Atlanta 30 years in the past, I made a dedication to not depart anybody behind and can proceed on this mission,” he stated.

Sir Elton’s efficiency was known as A Evening When Hope and Historical past Rhyme, a reference to a poem by Irishman Seamus Heaney that President Joe Biden usually quotes (Susan Walsh/AP)

“We're striving for a future the place individuals of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, and gender identities have the chance to stay free from Aids, stigma, injustice and maltreatment – and I’m so grateful recognition like this brings us a step nearer to creating that a actuality.”

The singer’s husband, David Furnish, who can also be chairman of the Elton John Aids Basis stated: “It’s on us to make the world a greater, extra equal place, and Elton is somebody who really walks the stroll.

“He's so deserving of the Nationwide Humanities Medal by way of his fixed advocacy for equality all through his profession and thru the Elton John Aids basis.

Sir Elton John turned emotional as he acquired the Nationwide Humanities Medal after a live performance on the South Garden of the White Home (Susan Walsh/AP)

“We’re so grateful to the Historical past Channel, A+E Networks and the Biden administration for giving us such an impactful platform to assist us meet the pressing wants of individuals liable to – and dwelling with – HIV and Aids.”

It was the 75-year-old British songwriter’s first White Home gig since he carried out with Stevie Surprise at a state dinner in 1998 to honour former prime minister Sir Tony Blair.

Sir Elton is presently on a farewell tour that started in July after greater than 50 years of performing.