Picture courtesy of Carter Middle and Rick Diamond
Final night time, historical past was made as practically 4,000 folks gathered on the Fox Theater Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration of Music. “That is the primary time folks have come collectively to have fun the a centesimal birthday of an American president,” stated Jason Carter, grandson of Jimmy Carter, who at 99 is the longest-living U.S. president in historical past. It was a star-studded night honoring the “Rock n’ Roll President,” recognized for his love of music and his eager skill to deliver folks collectively.
Picture by Paras Griffin/Getty Photographs
The night started with a blue carpet the place pleasure was excessive. “I simply assume we needed to have an occasion that will permit us to share his legacy,” Jason Carter stated. Former President Carter has been in hospice take care of 19 months, however music continues to play an essential position in his life. “That is the position right now. It is simply how he continues to have fun and join,” stated Jason Carter.
Picture by Paras Griffin/Getty Photographs
Additionally in attendance was civil rights hero and former mayor Andrew Younger (who’s 92 himself). “He cherished life and located a technique to love everybody, even his enemies and remind them of their good,” Younger stated, reflecting on Carter’s legacy. “I believe he noticed the entire world as a baby of God and he noticed himself as one in all God’s kids.”
Picture courtesy of Carter Middle and Rick Diamond
Picture courtesy of Carter Middle and Rick Diamond
Within the theater, the night started with a stirring efficiency of “America the Stunning” by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Refrain. Because the efficiency obtained energetic, so did the group. The couple danced down the aisle as Duane Bates, son of famed Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell and Dickie Bates, jammed out to the Allman Brothers’ classics “Jessica” and “Blue Sky,” a soulful rendition of indie rockers group U2’s “Delight.” sang Title of Love),” and DJ D-Good introduced everybody to their toes as he spun tunes spanning the a long time. Different performers included India. Arie, Lalah Hathaway, Drive-By Truckers, The Battle & Treaty, and The B. -52- An eclectic combine that speaks to Carter’s unifying position.
Picture courtesy of Carter Middle and Rick Diamond
Picture courtesy of Carter Middle and Rick Diamond
There have been poignant moments too. Bernice King spoke to the viewers recalling Carter’s friendship along with her father, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Carter’s assist for the institution of the Martin Luther King Jr. Nationwide Historic Web site in 1980. “Each you and my father have been awarded Grammy honors. Awards to your spoken phrase albums, a testomony to the facility of your voice,” he stated. Later, actress Renee Zellweger narrated the love story of Jimmy and his 77-year-old spouse, Rosalyn, who died final yr on the age of 96. Notables in music and movie, together with Dave Matthews, Jeff Daniels and Jon Stewart, despatched video clips to say goodbye. The previous president is properly (“I am sorry I can not be right here for this, however I might be on the two hundredth birthday celebration, which I am constructive will occur,” Stewart stated.)
Picture courtesy of Carter Middle and Rick Diamond
Picture courtesy of The Carter Middle and Rick Diamond
Picture courtesy of Carter Middle and Rick Diamond
Though Carter didn’t attend—he’ll stream the occasion on his precise birthday on Oct. 1 on Georgia Public Broadcasting—his presence was mirrored within the numerous performers and audio system. “I believe music is an ideal tribute, as a result of it is a kind of fundamental human connections that unites folks throughout geography, throughout tradition, throughout any type of racial dividing line,” stated Jason Carter. “You are going to be right here tonight, Democrat, Republican. Tonight you’ll discover folks from all around the world right here. And it is a method of being collectively.”
Picture courtesy of Carter Middle and Rick Diamond
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