VIDEO: Matthew Morrison, Little Richard Perform At 'A Capitol Fourth' Celebration

Music legend Little Richard took the stage on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Monday night to perform with the Million Dollar Quartet during the Independence Day Celebration, which was hosted by actor Jimmy Smits and aired live on PBS for the 30th year in a row. Not to be upstaged, the historic city of Boston hosted its own celebration with Martina McBride filling in last minute for Lionel Richie, who was unable to perform as the event's scheduled headliner due to strained vocal cords.

Back in the nation's capital, Little Richard, who has not had an onstage performance since he underwent hip surgery over a year and a half ago, was decked out in a silver-metallic suit and sunglasses as he pounded the piano with his trademark intensity. Also in the star-studded lineup was actor Steve Martin, who arrived at the patriotic occasion to play the banjo with his music group, The Steep Canyon Rangers. His performance? A song he wrote for the celebration about the legendary midnight ride of Paul Revere, from the perspective of the horse.

Also lighting up the evening along with the fireworks were performances by Josh Groban, Dancing with the Stars' Mark Ballas, Glee's Matthew Morrison, and the National Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Jack Everly. A heartfelt rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" by American Idol's Jordin Sparks kicked off the evening.