Ep 40. A Concert for New York

Great Performances season 38 episode 40, titled "A Concert for New York," is a moving tribute to the city that never sleeps, and the strength of the American spirit in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The concert was held on September 20, 2001, just nine days after the attacks, and was a chance for artists to come together and use their talents to heal and uplift the city and its people.

The concert was hosted by actor and comedian Billy Crystal, who opened the show with a moving monologue that paid tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11. Over the course of the evening, some of the world's most talented musicians came together to perform in front of an audience of thousands, as well as a national television audience.

Among the many artists who performed were James Taylor, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, and Eric Clapton. The performances ranged from emotional ballads to uplifting rock anthems, all of them infused with a sense of hope and determination in the face of tragedy.

One of the standout performances of the evening came from the opera singer Renee Fleming, who performed an awe-inspiring rendition of "Amazing Grace." The song took on new meaning in the aftermath of 9/11, and Fleming's soaring vocals were a powerful tribute to the victims and their families.

Other memorable performances from the concert included Elton John's rendition of "Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters," which he dedicated to the firefighters and police officers who lost their lives on 9/11. Paul Simon also took to the stage, performing a stripped-down version of "The Boxer" that was both haunting and beautiful.

Throughout the concert, the sense of camaraderie and unity among the performers was palpable. Many of them had personal connections to New York City, and were eager to do their part to help heal the wounds that had been inflicted on the city and its people.

In addition to the music, the concert also featured emotional video testimonials from New Yorkers who had been directly impacted by the attacks. These personal stories added a sense of intimacy to the proceedings, and reminded viewers of the human toll of the tragedy.

Ultimately, "A Concert for New York" was a testament to the resilience of the American people, and the way that art and music can play a vital role in healing in the wake of tragedy. The concert has become a cherished piece of cultural history, and remains a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, unity, and hope even in the face of the darkest of times.