A benefit at the Creeks Saturday night raised a reported, whopping $800,000 for Harlem's Apollo Theater Foundation. Hosted by Ron Perelman at his East Hampton estate, the elegant event was also a great night for music: the all-star concert in Perelman's “barn” featured Sam Moore with Jon Bon Jovi, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, and The Roots, with special guests Paul Shaffer and Chuck Jackson. 

Kissing Sam Moore's hand in a moment of adoration and noting the Soul Man's status as a true legend, Jon Bon Jovi reminded the happy crowd, Sam's the only one in the room to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The intimate setting was perfect for the duets the New Jersey native sang with Sam: “Soul Man” and “Lookin' for Love.” JBJ announced he first met his wife at a Sam & Dave concert thirty years ago-and they are still together. Sam Moore paid tribute to his recently deceased pal Billy Preston who penned “You Are So Beautiful.” Sam's rendition is so moving, a glorious fixture on his tours. A surprising piano solo by John Legend, performing “Let it Be,” I'm told for the first time ever, gave me chills. Mary J. Blige had the house up and rocking to “No More Drama.”

Everyone, including Chuck Jackson, and with Ron Perelman on drums, finished up with a rousing “Soul Man,” everyone that is except Mary J. Blige, but the crowd-Penny Marshall, Lorraine Bracco, Richard Gere, Christie Brinkley, Russell Simmons, Kyle MacLachlan, and jazzman Randy Brecker-who will perform in Montauk on Gosman's Dock this Sunday–didn't seem to mind.

Regina Weinreich

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