Hot jazz, southern rock and White House joints: How music shaped Jimmy Carter’s career
As I reflect upon the life of former President Jimmy Carter, I am deeply moved by the remarkable journey he embarked upon and the indelible impact he left on our world. Having spent a significant portion of my life dedicated to public service, I find myself in awe of his tireless commitment to humanitarian causes, his unwavering pursuit of justice, and his unparalleled dedication to peace.
From humble beginnings as a dirt farmer in Georgia to becoming the 39th President of the United States, Carter’s life serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, integrity, and compassion. His work in addressing critical global issues such as hunger, disease, and conflict demonstrates his deep understanding of the interconnected nature of our world and his profound sense of responsibility towards those less fortunate.
What truly sets Carter apart from many politicians is his authenticity and genuine concern for others. He was not only a leader but also a friend, a mentor, and an advocate who stood up for the voiceless and the oppressed. His ability to connect with people on a personal level transcended political boundaries, making him a beloved figure around the world.
One of my favorite stories about Carter involves his legendary encounter with Willie Nelson on the roof of the White House. It speaks volumes about the former President’s character that he could maintain his dignity and composure amidst such an unexpected and humorous situation. And let me tell you, as someone who has shared a stage with Willie more than a few times, I can confirm that he knows how to lighten up any room!
In these challenging times, it is comforting to know that there are still individuals like Jimmy Carter who embodied the best of what it means to be human. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary man, may his legacy inspire us all to strive for greatness, to prioritize compassion, and to never forget the power we hold to make a difference in our world.
Rest in peace, Mr. Carter. Your spirit will live on in the countless lives you touched and the change you brought about. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll find you sitting on the roof of the White House, enjoying a cold beer and a fine Austin Torpedo!
In January 1974, while serving as the governor of Georgia, Jimmy Carter welcomed Bob Dylan following his concert at the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta. Gregg Allman from the Allman Brothers Band was invited, but due to rehearsals in Macon (which is about an hour and a half away), he arrived past midnight, just managing to slip inside the door.
That particular night, Carter and Allman forged a strong friendship, sharing a passion for Elmore James’ blues records, despite their differing accounts of the amount of Scotch they consumed. The Allmans, a diverse group of hippie longhairs, weren’t popular in many circles of power, but Carter was an ardent fan and often recited their lyrics to Allman. Phil Walden, the Allmans’ manager, had established his career in Macon, Georgia, and Capricorn Records, their label, would soon organize some of the first charity concerts that ultimately supported Carter’s unexpected run for the U.S. presidency.
Later on, Carter recounted that The Allman Brothers played a significant role in helping him secure the White House by gathering funds for him during a time when he was financially struggling.
The late former president, who passed away at 100 on Sunday, was an ardent music enthusiast throughout his life. He found inspiration and profound emotion from the rock musicians, gospel singers, and country songwriters of his time, many of whom reciprocated their admiration during performances both onstage and at the White House. His appreciation for rock and pop music, although subtle, was a significant yet undeniable gesture towards racial harmony. Moreover, his future advocacy for the National Endowment for the Arts demonstrated a forward-looking vision of a culturally diverse and inclusive America.
Prior to Kamala Harris becoming known as “Brat” and Barack Obama being recognized as a trendsetter on Spotify, Carter earned the title of America’s first “Rock & Roll President” in a documentary.
Obituaries
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share the inspiring story of ex-President Jimmy Carter. Time and time again, he dedicated himself to charitable endeavors, even when battling both brain and liver cancer. His unwavering spirit led him to seek hospice care at his humble Georgia residence in February.
Raised with gospel tunes within the church, Carter expressed to The Washington Post that it wasn’t about race but rather a music expressing pain, yearning, seeking, hope, and faith. Despite his image as a president familiar with rock counterculture, he caught the attention of Hunter S. Thompson, the leading journalist of his time known for gonzo journalism.
In 1974, I was tasked by Rolling Stone to document Ted Kennedy’s initial presidential campaign. However, what truly captivated me wasn’t Kennedy but Jimmy Carter. He delivered a speech so powerful, it could be described as a “king hell bastard” of a performance. By the time he finished, he had struck every chord in the room, leaving an indelible impression on all present.
As a die-hard cinema enthusiast reminiscing about bygone eras, let me share how Jimmy Carter, the humble peanut farmer with an unexpected countercultural allure, managed to win the presidency in 1976. Despite his simple farming background, he successfully built a coalition that swept him into the White House. The nation was still grappling with the aftermath of Watergate and the Vietnam War – two events that left deep scars on American trust and unity.
On that historic night when Carter accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination, there was a sense of hope in the air, a yearning for change. In a poignant moment, he quoted his favorite musician, Bob Dylan, as a testament to his search for optimism amidst the chaos and uncertainty.
Over the past 19 months of campaigning for president among you, my understanding and belief about our nation and its future has grown significantly. I’ve never felt more confident in America than I do now. In the words of Bob Dylan, America is ‘in the process of being born,’ not ‘on the verge of dying.’
Carter often liked to cite Dylan’s lyrics. In a speech from 1974, he expressed that after listening to songs like ‘The Ballad of Hattie Carroll’, ‘Like a Rolling Stone’, and ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’, he came to admire the vibrancy of change in contemporary society. Later on, Carter had the honor of presenting Dylan at the MusiCares’ Person of the Year event in 2015.
Music
On Friday evening, MusiCares, a charitable organization that assists struggling musicians, bestowed an honor upon Bob Dylan at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Dylan was one of many musicians who came to trust in Carter’s tastes and moral compass.
In a performance on “Saturday Night Live” before the 1976 election, The Band covered “Georgia on My Mind,” expressing their support for Carter. Later, they released a studio version of the song. At Carter’s inauguration in 1977, Aretha Franklin sang “God Bless America.” During the inaugural concert, Paul Simon remarked, “Maybe we are entering an era of righteousness and dignity,” and David Crosby told Rolling Stone that Carter was “smart enough to be human, accessible, and genuine – pure genius.” Even conservative musician Charlie Daniels praised Carter in 2014, saying he “restored credibility to the presidency.
1978 saw Jimmy Carter organizing an impressive jazz performance on the White House’s southern lawn. During this event, he joined forces with Dizzy Gillespie and drummer Max Rooch (Max Roach) to perform the memorable two-word chorus of “Salt Peanuts.
Carter had a strong affinity for jazz, often praising pioneering free-jazz pianist Cecil Taylor in his conversations. As a former governor of Georgia who had recently navigated through the turbulent times of the civil rights movement, this was a notable show of camaraderie and admiration towards a groundbreaking Black art genre.
Back in 1980, amidst the moonlit capital, I found myself perched atop the iconic White House roof, a cold beer in one hand and a potent Austin Torpedo in the other. The serene silence was broken only by the occasional glance from Secret Service agents, more concerned with preserving peace than stirring up any trouble. While this tale might be more myth than fact, I can’t help but reminisce about that reflective moment on the roof of the White House, a memory etched deep in my heart as a devoted cinephile and music lover.
It was Carter’s son, Chip, who was on the roof with Nelson instead of Carter himself during that particular incident.
California
California officials honor and remember the esteemed former President Jimmy Carter, commemorating him for his ‘dignified’ and ‘honorable’ character.
In the 2020 documentary “Rock & Roll President,” which included interviews with Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, and Bono, Dylan described Carter as being similar to the character in the Lynyrd Skynyrd song – relaxed, taking things slow, and able to endure hardships. He highlighted Carter’s versatility, mentioning that he was a nuclear engineer, woodworking carpenter, poet, and farmer. If someone told him that Carter was a race car driver, Dylan wouldn’t be shocked.
On news of his death, many musicians wrote heartfelt tributes to Carter.
“Peter Gabriel, a close friend and admirer of President Jimmy Carter, noted that he was an exceptional individual and a unique politician who consistently fought for ideals like kindness, empathy, and human rights, particularly focusing on the rights of women and those experiencing genuine oppression. His efforts were highlighted in his 2007 book ‘Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid’, which showcased his advocacy for peace.
Trisha Yearwood expressed sympathy and joy in a message to the President: “Take peace, sir. I’m sorrowful for us, but overjoyed for you. Your and Mrs. Rosalynn’s enduring love will continue to be remembered.” Trisha Yearwood, along with her spouse Garth Brooks, collaborated on the 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity, a housing charity.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Nancy Wilson praised Carter as an “extraordinary connector between policy and our shared humanity,” while Georgia rapper Killer Mike, on social media, expressed being “fortunate to have known a ‘Remarkable Man’ who significantly impacted a challenging world.
On February 2nd, Carter stands a chance to add another notch to his music history as he competes for his fourth Grammy Award. This time, it’s for an audiobook, narration, and storytelling recording in the category, for “Last Sundays In Plains: A Centennial Celebration.
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2024-12-31 23:31