Jimmy Carter, former president and music lover, RIP

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died on Sunday at his home in Plains, GA. He was 100, the longest-living president in US history. “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said his son Chip Carter in a statement. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

Born in 1924, Carter was a grassroots politician in Georgia, opposing racial segregation and championing civil rights, and defeated incumbent Gerald Ford in the 1976 presidential election. Part of his edge in that election came from the pop and rock world and his friendship with The Allman Brothers Band, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and others gave him a boost. He was the first president to have jazz in the White House, and performed “Salt Peanuts” with Dizzy Gillespie and Max Roach.

Carter probably is better known and more highly regarded for his post-presidential life, however, where via his Carter Center foundation he promoted peace and took up many humanitarian causes, including Habitat for Humanity (which he remained actively a part of well into his ’90s). He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Rosalynn Carter, his wife of 77 years, died in November 2023 at age 96.

Rest in peace, Jimmy.

Carter’s love and relationship with music was explored in the 2020 documentary Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President which is available to stream on MAX, and you can rent it from the service of your choice. Watch the trailer, and check out a gallery from the film, below.

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