Stars aligned at Fox Theatre for Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in ...
Musical acts and speakers from all genres and walks of life graced the Fox Theatre stage on Sept. 17 to celebrate the upcoming 100th birthday of humanitarian, Nobel Peace Prize winner and “Rock & Roll President” Jimmy Carter.
Jason Carter, grandson of Jimmy Carter gave opening remarks of admiration for his “paw paw.” He reminded the 4,000 person audience of the preciousness of the evening because history was being made. “It’s the first time people have come together to celebrate the 100th birthday of an American president,” he added.
Jason Carter, grandson of Jimmy Carter speaks to the audience. (Photo by Rick Diamond/The Carter Center.)The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber chorus performed a heartfelt rendition of “America the Beautiful” which was both patriotic and joyous as everyone shared a love for Carter and good music. GROUPLOVE then turned up the tempo and got everyone out of their seats. Other performances included Lalah Hathaway, Chuck Leavell, The War & Treaty, Eric Church, The B-52s, Drive-By Truckers, Angélique Kidjo, BeBe Winans, Carlene Carter, D-Nice, Duane Betts, India.Arie, Maren Morris, Rickey Minor Band and Spelman College Glee Club.
Bernice King took the stage to share her high esteem for Carter. “I owe my political journey to him,” she added. She recalled happily that her father, Martin Luther King, Jr., who had been nicknamed, “Daddy King” was a mentor of Carter’s and always had a close relationship. “Jimmy Carter could have been in a meeting with a prime minister, and he’d say “hold on, I gotta talk to Daddy King,”” Bernice King shared.
Another genuine moment included Actress Renee Zellweger retelling the love story of Jimmy and his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, who died last year at age 96. Other notable musicians and actors who were unable to attend sent in video messages. Dave Matthews called in to share his admiration for Jimmy Carter’s Sunday school teachings and reminisced on taking his own children to hear Carter speak. “You were definitely the first ‘Rock & Roll’ President,” he added.
Jon Stewart joked that although he was unable to attend Carter’s 100th birthday celebration, he would absolutely be at the 200th. He shared in admiration that Carter was not afraid to get his hands dirty. “There are people living in houses built by Jimmy Carter,” he continued with a smile.
Sean Penn, Bonnie Raitt, Garth Brooks, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden video messages were displayed across the screen as they rang in with their own praises. Indigo Girls sang their very own harmonized version of “Happy Birthday” for Carter as well. George Bush called Carter “his favorite president.” Barack Obama, who is known for making his own summer playlists every year, quipped, “Now I have another reason to respect you. He has got great taste in music. I have never thrown a concert that features pop, rock, country, jazz, classical and hip hop.”
The wide array of artists and people who shared their utmost respect for Carter further proves his approval across so many and his belief that music brings people together. “I think music is a perfect tribute because it’s one of those fundamental human connections that brings people together across geographies, across culture, across any sort of racial dividing lines,” said Jason Carter. “You’ll have Democrats, Republicans in here tonight. You’ll have people from across the world in here tonight. And it’s a way to be together.”
The event will stream on Oct. 1, Jimmy Carter’s actual birthday, on Georgia Public Broadcasting. Proceeds from the event are to go to the Carter Center to continue their endeavors in “waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope.”
