Singer Elton John joined big-name stars from music and entertainment for the New York concert dubbed "From the Big Apple to the Big Easy".

The concert at Madison Square Gardens, featuring Cyndi Lauper, was run simultaneously with another at Radio City Music Hall.

British soul sensation Joss Stone teamed up with singer-songwriter John Mayer to sing for the benefit of hurricane victims.

While a reunion performance at the venue by veteran stars Simon and Garfunkel proved popular.

The concert also gave the opportunity for new duets among the performers, like Lenny Kravitz and Buckwheat Zydeco.

Leading film stars, including Scarlett Johansson and Paul Newman added their voices to the appeal for aid.