The Concert in Central Park influential concert promoters, developed the idea of helping Central Park financially with a free open-air concert, under the legal guidance of Bob Donnelly. The city would use profits from merchandising, television, and video rights to renovate the park. Earlier park performances by Elton John and James Taylor showed that this concept could be a success. Davis authorized the project, and Delsener entered discussions with cable TV channel HBO to decide who would perform. They decided on Simon & Garfunkel, a group that had formed in New York City in the 1960s, and had been one of the most successful folk
Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief was a one-hour, commercial-free benefit concert television special that aired simulcast in the United States on September 12, 2017 at 8 p.m. ET/CT live from New York City, Nashville, San Antonio, and Los Angeles and tape delayed MT and PT. During the hour it was on the air, the special raised $14 million for the relief efforts from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. By evening's end the total was up to $44 million. Organizations benefitting the relief include the United Way