Keith Richards took time out from promoting his new Crosseyed Heart LP to help support a good cause last night, appearing onstage at the Apollo Theater to play at this year’s A Great Night in Harlem benefit concert and pay tribute to vocalist Merry Clayton with a performance of the Rolling Stones classic “Gimme Shelter.”
Richards’ appearance, which starts with the guitarist strolling out onstage after a standing ovation for Clayton, who recently revealed she underwent a double amputation after sustaining serious injuries in a car accident in 2014. “Now you know how many friends you got, honey,” said Richards, telling the audience he wanted to “kick it off with the one we worked together on.”
Clayton’s vocals on “Gimme Shelter” — which she recorded after being awoken in the middle of the night and then added a crucial component to the song, and also remains a highlight of a distinguished career that she’s vowed to continue in spite of her injury. Although not present at the event, Clayton appeared on video to accept the first annual Clark and Gwen Terry Courage Award from the Jazz Foundation of America.
Richards, who went on to play the Rolling Stones song “Happy” was just one member of a bill assembled to also honor jazz pioneer Sonny Rollins, who received a lifetime achievement award at the show, and was on hand to witness performances from Steely Dan‘s Donald Fagen and a host of jazz greats who paid tribute to Rollins’ classic discography while helping raise funds for medical care and other forms of assistance going to jazz and blues musicians in need. Richards closed out the evening with a tribute to Clayton, A standing ovation for Clayton preceded Richards’ appearance. “Now you know how many friends you got, honey,” the guitarist said as he took the stage. Backing Richards was his trusty longtime band, the X-Pensive Winos, featuring guitarist Waddy Wachtel, keyboardist Ivan Neville, bassist Willie Weeks and drummer Steve Jordan (also the night’s musical director), along with vocalists Sarah Dash (of LaBelle), and longtime Stones backup singers Lisa Fischer and Bernard Fowler.
Keith Richard has been a tear lately, turning up all over the place in support of his new solo album, “Crosseyed Heart“.
The Fat Angel Sings 