Georgia’s Own Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song" at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre.
As summer faded to fall on September 17, 2024, Georgia celebrated a significant milestone with "Georgia’s Own Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song" at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre.
“Whether it was on his record player, on the campaign trail, or on the White House lawn, music has been – and continues to be – a source of joy, comfort, and inspiration for my grandfather,” said Jason Carter, President Carter’s grandson and chair of the Carter Center Board of Trustees. “I can think of no better way to celebrate him and his 100th birthday than a night of music.”
And that’s exactly what The Carter Center and Fox Theatre hosted- a night of music with world-renowned artists who performed live tributes, alongside special guests who honored President Carter’s legacy of service to humanity. Awash in the joy of diverse yet like-minded people reveling in the long life of a true American hero, the Fox made history by honoring the first American President to reach the 100-year milestone.
As President Carter once said, “Music is the best proof that people have one thing in common no matter where they live, no matter what language they speak.”
Carter’s connection with musicians has always been genuine and heartfelt and he counts performers like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan among his closest friends. During his 1976 campaign, artists such as the Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd rallied behind him, turning his campaign into a musical movement. Biographer Jonathan Alter notes that this relationship was built on friendship, with musicians feeling a profound connection to Carter. Even during challenging times, like the Iran hostage crisis, Carter found solace in music, listening to Willie Nelson to relieve stress.
"Admiration and pure joy were the order of the night as musicians across genres and styles came together at the Fox Theatre on Tuesday to celebrate the upcoming 100th birthday of humanitarian, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President Jimmy Carter," the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Rolling Stone wrote: "Jimmy Carter 100 may have been fashioned as a multigenre celebration of Carter's life and work as he approaches his 100th birthday, but what it transpired to be is a portrait of American culture at its best yet most vulnerable."
One of the most touching anecdotes that reflect Carter's character comes from California native Marisa Pollock. Following Jimmy Carter's victory in the 1976 presidential election, an eighth- grade Marisa Pollock took a bold step and penned a heartfelt letter to the newly inaugurated president. In her note, she congratulated him on his new role and playfully posed a whimsical question: 'Why can’t we do a song with the Steve Miller Band, like “Fly Like an Eagle?”
Today, in a political landscape often marked by distance, disdain and disconnection, Marisa's eighth-grade experience stands out as a moment of genuine connection on the political stage. The powerful lyrics of 'Fly Like an Eagle,' which called for urgent action on pressing social issues—'Feed the babies who don’t get enough to eat. Shoe the children with no shoes on their feet. House the people living in the street. There’s a solution'—deeply resonated with her youthful idealism.
To her surprise, President Carter replied to her letter and responded with refreshing candor. “He wrote me back and explained that as President of the United States, he couldn’t make that happen,” because of Congress, where no one seemed to get along. I am lucky if I could pass anything,” he wrote. Yet, he also conveyed his unwavering commitment to her of his life goal of becoming a humanitarian.” Marisa recollected.
“Jimmy Carter didn’t lie to the eighth grader,' Pollock reflected. “He truly cared about the people living in the streets. That’s why he will always be one of my favorite presidents.”
This touching exchange underscores a legacy of compassion that remains a cornerstone of Carter's influence on American life. The heartfelt correspondence between this young girl from California and the former peanut farmer-turned-president from Plains, Georgia, not only reveals Carter's character but also highlights the profound impact he has had on individuals throughout his lifetime. This enduring legacy continues to resonate, particularly as he holds the distinction of being the oldest living president in American history.
On the evening of “Georgia’s own Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song,” the night kicked off with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus and a welcome from Jason Carter, Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Carter Center. Followed by GROUPLOVE, D-Nice, and spoken word by Bernice King, Renée Zellweger. Monica Pearson, Chuck Leavell, Lalah Hathaway, Duane Betts, The War And Treaty, Carlene Carter and Angélique Kidjo shared their musical prowess and Braves greats Terry Pendelton and Dale Murphy present a special “100” Braves jersey to the Carter family and a Braves baseball cap to every attendee. Fans celebrated a special night as Bebe Winans and the Spelman College Glee Club,
Drive-By-Truckers, the B-52’s, India Arie and Eric Church ended the performance. And For the show’s finale, performers came together to sing “Georgia on my Mind,” and Carter family members filled the stage to join the celebration
This concert was more than a birthday celebration; it was a testament to a life dedicated to service, compassion, and the belief that every person deserves dignity and respect.
As someone who once attended Carter's Sunday school class in Plains, Georgia at Maranatha Baptist Church, graciously open to the public up until COVID, I can attest to the warmth and sincerity that defines him. The concert not only honored his legacy but also inspired attendees to carry forward his mission of humanitarian work. With insights from participating musicians and historians, this event encapsulated the spirit of a man whose influence continues to resonate through generations.
Happy 100th birthday Jimmy Carter!
