Elton John raises $2.5 million for Hillary Clinton at Radio City Music Hall benefit concert

The first standing ovation during Elton John’s sold-out benefit performance at Radio City Music Hall on Wednesday night wasn’t for Sir Elton, but for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

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The British performer raised $2.5 million for Senator Clinton by selling tickets that cost between $125 and $2,300, the maximum that an individual can contribute to a presidential candidate in the primary.

During the performance Elton John altered the lyrics of his hit song Crocodile Rock singing it was ‘me and Hillary’ who had so much fun, and ‘Hillary went and left me for some foreign guy - Bill!’ With this the crowd at Radio City danced and cheered according to a blog item on Elton John’s web site.

According to the report…

Clinton spoke warmly of her family’s friendship with Elton and said how his music ‘lifts our spirits, makes us laugh and makes us cry.’ She recalled how moved she was at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, when Elton sang Candle In The Wind, and to rapturous applause reminded everyone that ‘I’m Still Standing.’

Elton John had previously performed on behalf of the Clintons at a 1998 White House state dinner honoring British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Here are the songs Sir Elton performed during the two hour Clinton benefit show from to the song list on Elton John’s web site…

Your Song, Border Song, Daniel, Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes, Honky Cat, Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, Philadelphia Freedom (dedicated to Billie Jean King, also in attendance), Ticking, Sorry Seems to be The Hardest Word, I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues, Levon, Carla/Etude, Tonight, Bennie and the Jets, Crocodile Rock, I’m Still Standing

The A.P. quotes Senator Clinton at the show…

“What I want you to know is I’m still standing, and I believe this country is worth fighting for,” the New York senator said, playing off the title of one of John’s hits. “So we’re taking our campaign to Pennsylvania and all the states that haven’t voted.” Pennsylvania votes April 22.

On the Web
I was there: New York - Elton John solo at Radio City Music Hall
Associated Press

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