Jubilations are for Jimmy Carter's forthcoming 100th birthday, set to be marked by a resonant tribute in Atlanta.
According to Southern Living magazine, the Carter Center has organized a musical tribute, “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song,” on September 17, 2024.
The event promises a lineup of acclaimed musicians, with performances from Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, Maren Morris, The War and Treaty, and contributions from The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus.
Esteemed Emmy Award-winner Rickey Minor will steer the event as the musical director, ensuring an evening of high-quality entertainment.
The celebration offers more than musical performances; it also features appearances from celebrities, including former MLB player Dale Murphy, rapper Killer Mike, and actor Sean Penn, with more prominent figures yet to be announced.
In a special twist, fans are encouraged to contribute personal tributes, whether through video, images, or messages, via The Carter Center's website, helping to create an extensive digital birthday card for the former president.
Tickets will be available starting August 5, priced at $100 in recognition of the centennial year, with all proceeds going towards The Carter Center’s initiatives.
Entering hospice care in February 2023, Jimmy Carter is recognized as the oldest living and the longest-lived former U.S. President.
His notable political and humanitarian contributions continue to resonate widely, reinforcing his enduring legacy. The concert serves as an early celebration for his official birthday on October 1, enveloping his lifelong love for music, which has been a source of solace and joy throughout his career.
Jason Carter, chair of the Carter Center Board of Trustees, fondly reflects on the profound impact music has had on his grandfather’s life:
The concept of a concert to honor Georgia’s favorite son was born from his love of music, which has played a significant role in his life and career. During Jimmy Carter’s successful 1976 presidential campaign, famous acts such as the Allman Brothers rallied to his message of change, honesty, and character.
This homage is not merely about music; it underscores the substantial narrative of a man whose life has woven through various tapestries of American history. From the small-town peanut farmer to a Nobel Peace laureate, his journey has been accompanied by a rich musical soundtrack.
Recognizing music's power to unite and heal, this event mirrors these values by raising funds to support The Carter Center's missions. As the celebration approaches, the anticipation not only highlights the rich life of Jimmy Carter but also threads together different facets of arts, philanthropy, and public engagement, honoring a centennial of significant personal and societal contributions.
In summary, the eagerly awaited “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” will convene musicians, celebrities, and fans in a communal tribute to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Serving dual purposes of celebration and charity, the event melds the joy of music with the spirit of giving, aiming to leave a lasting imprint on attendees and beneficiaries alike.
