Musical artists paid tribute to former President Jimmy Carter in Atlanta on Tuesday in celebration of his upcoming 100th birthday on Oct. 1, 2024.
An all-star lineup with performances by Angélique Kidjo, BeBe Winans, Carlene Carter, Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Duane Betts, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, India Arie, Lalah Hathaway, The B-52’s, The War And Treaty, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus rocked the historic Fox Theatre.
Artists and community leaders including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and civil rights icon and former Ambassador to the U.N. Andrew Young walked the “blue” carpet ahead of the event, stopping to praise the former president’s legacy inside and outside of the White House, including his tireless work at the Carter Center since founding the organization with his wife and partner, first lady Rosalynn Carter, in 1982.
Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., spoke of Carter at the event as well.
“His incredible work around peace and justice and equality — and being very fervent in that — and grounded in his faith and in leading the nation I think is remarkable, ” King said. “And we’re glad he’s still with us.”
Iconic Georgia musician Chuck Leavell spoke about Carter’s role in supporting the state’s music while he was in the White House.
“So, you know, he was instrumental in helping us to get Georgia music to the forefront,” he said.
Onstage, the concert was a joyous celebration with poignant moments, including Leavell teaming at various points with Carlene Carter, Duane Betts, and Eric Church to perform four Allman Brothers songs (“Midnight Rider,” “Ramblin’ Man,””Blue Sky” and “Jessica”) as well as “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
The B-52’s, India Arie and others performed. Video tributes from musicians, actors, artists and President Joe Biden as well as three former presidents from both political parties poured in as well.
Former Atlanta Braves players Dale Murphy and Terry Pendleton honored Carter, an avid fan, with a custom Braves Jersey and brought Braves hats for the audience.
Jason Carter also spoke at the event. He said that his grandfather is “reengaged with the world” and that the family is grateful to have him.
Carter is set to become the first U.S. president to reach 100 years of age.
A 90-minute broadcast of the concert airs on GPB-TV at 7 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2024, capping off weeks of special programming leading up to Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday.
