ATLANTA — A wide array of stars from various fields gathered Tuesday to honor former President Jimmy Carter as he approaches his 100th birthday. This eclectic celebration emphasized the 39th president’s dedication to human rights and his belief in music as a universal connector.
During the tribute at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, attended by over 4,000 guests, Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson, remarked, “Everyone here is making history. This is the first time people have come together to celebrate the 100th birthday of an American president.”
The benefit concert, which supports international programs at The Carter Center, featured an impressive mix of artists spanning generations and genres reminiscent of Carter’s 1976 campaign. The full concert will be broadcast on Oct. 1, coinciding with Carter’s birthday. Currently, Carter is receiving hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia.
Chuck Leavell, a musician who campaigned with Carter in 1976, highlighted the former president’s musical influence, stating, “He really was the rock-and-roll president,” and emphasized music’s role in fostering community.
The night’s performances included India Arie delivering R&B in a stunning purple gown, the B-52s from Athens performing “Love Shack” with vibrant visuals, and the Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus showcasing classical and patriotic songs.
Former President Barack Obama expressed admiration for the musical lineup in a video message, saying, “Jimmy never passes up the opportunity to send a message,” referring to one of Carter’s well-known quotes: “One of the things that has held America together has been the music that we share and love.”
Leavell performed songs that resonated from nearly 50 years ago, capturing the essence of Carter’s groundbreaking candidacy. “Music was such an important part of his political legacy,” noted Jason Carter. “The Allman Brothers and Willie Nelson were instrumental in his election,” he added.
Leavell traced Carter’s musical passion back to his church upbringing, recalling how early experiences with diverse congregational music impacted him. This love for music was a defining element of Carter’s time in the Naval Academy, where he studied classical interpretations.
The evening also highlighted Carter’s presidential legacy and his work with The Carter Center, which promotes democracy, resolves conflicts, and combats disease worldwide. Hannah Hooper of Grouplove commended Carter for greatly expanding national parks during his presidency, while actress Renee Zellweger narrated the enduring relationship between Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn.
Former Atlanta Braves stars Terry Pendleton and Dale Murphy fondly recalled Carter’s support as a superfan and presented his great-grandsons with a Braves jersey marked with the number 100.
Bernice King, daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., reflected on Carter’s connection to her family, crediting his acknowledgment of the Civil Rights Movement’s influence on his ascent to presidency.
While the event was largely apolitical, it subtly acknowledged Carter’s Democratic ties amid the evolving landscape of the 2024 election. Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers lauded Carter for being ahead of his time, expressing regret that he wasn’t able to “finish the job” during his presidency.
Tributes from past presidents ranged across the political spectrum, with Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden sharing praise for Carter. Biden fondly recalled being the first senator to support Carter’s presidential campaign.
Notably absent was former President Donald Trump, who has criticized Carter’s legacy during his campaign efforts.
Arie’s performance included “What If,” referencing notable Black women who shattered barriers, generating enthusiasm from the crowd with mentions of Kamala Harris. Jason Carter expressed that his grandfather is inspired by Biden’s potential reelection challenges and the prospect of Harris making history as the first female president. “He’s ready to turn the page on Trump,” said Jason Carter, reflecting on his grandfather’s renewed enthusiasm for political engagement.
