Former presidents take stage at hurricane benefit concert

 All five of America's living former presidents took the stage Saturday at a benefit concert in Texas to raise money for victims of the hurricane-ravaged southern US and Caribbean.

Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter appeared together onstage for the national anthem, then took their seats in the front row at the concert.

The effort by the three Democrats and two Republicans has raised over $31 million from 80,000 donors for the victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, George H.W. Bush's office said.

"As former presidents, we wanted to help our fellow Americans begin to recover," Obama said in a video message shown at the beginning of the livestreamed concert.

"People are hurtin' down here, but as one Texan put it, we've got more love in Texas than water," the younger Bush said.

Lee Greenwood opened the concert with "Proud to be an American," setting the tone for the concert.

Greenwood was followed by Robert Earl Keen, The Gatlin Brothers, Stephanie Quayle and Sam Moore.

The event, titled "Deep From the Heart: The One America Appeal," was also to feature Alabama, Lyle Lovett, Cassadee Pope and Yolanda Adams.

President Donald Trump did not attend the concert, but praised the effort in a video message released earlier, terming it a "wonderful" and "vital effort."

"As we begin to rebuild, some of America's finest public servants are spearheading the One America Appeal," said Trump.

"Melania and I want to express our deep gratitude for your tremendous assistance."

Source: AFP