The Jazz Foundation of America puts on a killer fundraiser every year, and we’ll go into it in greater detail later, but the Merry Clayton tribute did push a few buttons for this writer. The unforgettable voice on the Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” and many other songs, and a star of the recent Oscar- and Grammy-winning documentary 20 Feet From Stardom, Clayton lost her legs below the knee in an automobile accident in 2014. When the doctor gave her the bad news about losing her legs, Clayton reportedly replied, “I still have my voice,” and began to sing.

Keith Richards and the better part of his X-Pensive Winos band showed up to close out the gala with a rendition of “Gimme Shelter” to do Clayton proud.

—Suzanne Cadgène

Check back with Elmore soon for more coverage of A Great Night In Harlem.