Elton Hits New High Note

Barry Manilow gives his friend Elton John a hug on stage before presenting him with the Ella Award during the 14th Annual Society of Singers Awards, Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Actor Eric McCormack sings to his friend Elton John during the 14th Annual Society of Singers Awards, where John received the Ella Award, Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif. A flock of hit-makers and Hollywood celebrities paid tribute to John for his significant humanitarian and musical accomplishments.

LeAnn Rimes, left, and Smokey Robinson sing a duet to Elton John during the 14th Annual Society of Singers Awards, where John received the Ella Award, Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

"To come to this country and to get the reception I got when I first came here and the loyalty and love you've given to me for 36 years, I am truly touched, humbled, and I can guarantee you that I love you back just as much. Thank you. Thank you so much. God bless you," said Sir Elton John, after being honored during the 14th Annual Society of Singers Awards, Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Members of the Los Angeles Gay Mens Chorus perform at the Society of Singers 14th Annual Ella Award honoring Sir Elton John at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Oct. 10, 2005 in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Barry Manilow sings to Sir Elton John during the 14th Annual Society of Singers Awards where John received the Ella Award, Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Musician Michael McDonald performs at the awards event honoring Sir Elton John, Oct. 10, 2005 in Beverly Hills, Calif. The nonprofit "Society of Singers" helps meet the emergency financial needs of singers worldwide during hard times.

Singer K.D. Lang was among a host of prominent singers of all generations who entertained the crowd during the 14th Annual Society of Singers Awards honoring Sir Elton John on Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Other performers included Barry Manilow, Joss Stone, LeAnn Rimes, Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock and Dionne Warwick.

Joss Stone plays peak-a-boo with photographers on the red carpet before the 14th Annual Society of Singers Awards, honoring Sir Elton John, Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Of John she says, "Music was the thing that propelled him and it's so real. It's not like he wanted anything else apart from being a great musician. He plays like nobody's business."

Barry Manilow, left, and Suzanne Somers, right, pose for photographers on the red carpet before the 14th Annual Society of Singers Awards honoring Sir Elton John on Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Singing couple Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo arrive at the Society of Singers 14th Annual Ella Award honoring Sir Elton John at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, on Oct. 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

As they walked the red carpet before the 14th Annual Society of Singers Awards, many performers, like Natalie Cole, came armed with their voices in good working order, willing to sing their favorite Elton John song. John was honored with the society's Ella Award at the event on Oct. 10, 2005 in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Singer Dionne Warwick attends the 14th Annual Society of Singers Awards where her friend, Elton John, was honored with the Ella Award, Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, Calif.