Just before Elton John took his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour to Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. last Saturday, he stopped by The White House on Friday evening.
Elton performed a six-song set on the South Lawn for A Night When Hope and History Rhyme, hosted by A&E Networks and the History Channel.
After performing, Elton was honored when President Biden surprised him with the National Humanities Medal for his work in fighting AIDS.
Fighting back tears, Elton listened as President Biden read the citation:: “The President of the United States awards this National Humanities Medal to Sir Elton John for moving our souls with his powerful voice, and one of the defining songbooks of all time. An enduring icon and advocate with absolute courage, who found purpose to challenge convention, shatter stigma and advance a simple truth: that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Elton managed to compose himself and say a few words:
Elton said: "I just said to the First Lady, 'I'm never flabbergasted,' but I'm flabbergasted and humbled and honored by this incredible award from the United States of America. I will treasure this so much and it will make me double my efforts to make sure this disease goes away. America's kindness to me as a musician is second to none. But, in the war against AIDS and HIV it's even bigger and I can't thank you enough. I'm really emotional about this. Thank you."
President Biden said: "By the way, it's all his fault that we're spending six-billion dollars in tax payer money this month to help fight HIV AIDS."
Elton and Britney Spears will premiere the video for their collaboration “Hold Me Closer” later today at noon. Get more on Elton John on the Big Show Fan Page at KBGO.com and on iHeartRadio, keyword Elton John.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]