The White House South Lawn was transformed into a musical lovefest Friday night as Elton John played a farewell gig to honor everyday 'heroes' like teachers, nurses and AIDS activists.
With that, the White House South Lawn was transformed into a musical lovefest Friday night as John played a farewell gig to honor everyday “heroes” like teachers, nurses and AIDS activists. But as it turns out, the event was also to honor the 75-year-old British songwriter — President Joe Biden surprised him with the National Humanities Medal for being a “tidal wave” who helped people rise up for justice.
Biden and first lady Jill Biden talked about the British singer’s activism, the power of his music and his all-around goodness. The event was dreamed up and paid for by A+E and the History Channel. President Joe Biden speaks as David Furnish, husband of Elton John, left, Elton John and first lady Jill Biden listen after Biden presented him with a National Humanities Medal after a concert on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.
It was his first White House gig since he performed with Stevie Wonder at a state dinner in 1998 honoring British Prime Minister Tony Blair. John is on a farewell tour that began in July after performing for more than 50 years. “I started singing the lyrics to Beau, quietly, so just the two of us could hear it,” Biden wrote. “Beau didn’t open his eyes, but I could see through my own tears that he was smiling.”
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