July 02, 2015
Carolyn Kaster/AP
Elton John performs during the Philadelphia Freedom Concert, at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, Monday, July 4, 2005, in Philadelphia.
Philly's own The Roots will headline the Wawa Welcome America Philly 4th of July Jam celebration on Saturday, with special guests Miguel and Jennifer Nettles.
Pop group MKTO and singer-songwriter Zella Day will also perform.
The free concert will cap off a week of festival activities along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that began last Saturday.
In honor of the upcoming celebration, here are five noteworthy performances from past Wawa Welcome America concerts.
Patti LaBelle, performed in 1996, wearing a red sequined dress and all. She closed with "Over the Rainbow." LaBelle performed again in 2005, along with Elton John (see below).
The "Rocket Man" himself graced the stage with his presence as the headliner in 2005 for the Philadelphia Freedom Concert. Along with "Rocket Man," John performed hits like "Bennie and the Jets" and "Tiny Dancer."
The Goo Goo Dolls headlined the 2010 show. Lead singer John Rzeznik actually threw his guitar after starting the song, "Slide," when he realized he had come out on stage with the wrong one.
Earth, Wind & Fire joined The Roots on stage in 2011 to celebrate America's independence. The group performed hits like "September" and "Let's Groove Tonight."
Former Fugees member Lauryn Hill was a surprise guest at the 2012 celebration. She performed “Ex- Factor and “Doo Wop (That Thing),” two songs featured on her debut solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."
Numerous artists have rocked the stage for Philly's July Jam in past years. Did we miss your favorite? Tell us in the comments.
