Elvis Costello joins Ray Davis at pre-Grammy gala night

Feb 13 2012 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Echo

ELVIS Costello was among the stars to perform at a pre-Grammy party in America following the death of Whitney Houston.

The Birkenhead singer joined Kinks frontman Ray Davies to perform onstage at the Pre-Grammy Gala & Salute to Industry Icons hosted by Clive Davis, who had discovered Houston and was considered a long-time friend.

The event was held at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles, just a few floors below where coroners officials were last night continuing to investigate the death of the soul singer and actress.

And on a night that was originally intended to honour singer Diana Ross and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson the attention was instead focused on the singer’s death.

Davis said: “Whitney would have wanted the music to go on.”

Among the many celebrities to attend the event were crooner Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Dr Dre and Jennifer Hudson.

Costello joined the Kinks for a performance of Celluloid Heroes as the 60s band treated the audience to a medley of their greatest hits.