Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday celebrated with grand musical gala at Fox Theater
ATLANTA - Former President Jimmy Carter turns 100 in just a few weeks, but notable Georgians came out on Tuesday for a historic celebration at the Fox Theater in Midtown Atlanta.
Titled "Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song," the event will feature performances from a variety of acclaimed musicians, including Angélique Kidjo, BeBe Winans, Carlene Carter, Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Duane Betts, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, India Arie, Lalah Hathaway, Maren Morris, The B-52s, The War And Treaty, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus.
"He has always loved music. We’ve all been to concerts with them. He’s always, you know, invited people to the White House, even in those days, invited people to the Governor’s Mansion. And has lived his life celebrating with music. So, we figured it was a perfect way to do this unique 100th birthday," said the former president's grandson, Jason Carter.
Jason Carter at Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday celebration
Former President Jimmy Carter turns 100 on October 1. Meanwhile, there's a huge crowd at the Fox Theatre ready to celebrate him in advance. Jason Carter, the former president's grandson, spoke to FOX 5 about how the concert is the perfect early birthday gift for his grandfather.
Carter says his grandfather has had a passion for music of all kinds, from gospel to rock to country.
Unfortunately, because of his health, President Carter couldn't attend the concert in person. However, actors, artists, and dignitaries did turn out to the birthday bash to show their love. The red carpet was a who's who of pop culture, politicians, and other celebrities from around the Southeast.
"When it came to making the world a better place, he was on target all the time," said former Ambassador Andrew Young.
"I'm honored to be a part of it," said Duane Betts.
Some of the entertainers on Tuesday evening are even close friends of President Carter, such as Chuck Leavell, who played with the Allman Brothers and the Rolling Stones. He is just one of the many invited who call him "Jimmy" and not "Mr. President." The pair have known each other since the 1970s. He and others would do benefit concerts for then-Governor Carter, when he decided to run for president.
"I'm proud to be part of that. I think we all are, those of us who contributed to the fundraising, and just trying to get his face in front of cameras, to let people know what kind of human being he is. What a great president he was, and thankfully he's still with us, and that's what we're here to celebrate," said Leavell.
The former president's grandson also accepted a special jersey from the Atlanta Braves honoring him on his birthday. President Carter has long been an Atlanta sports fan and has been spotted at Braves games over the years.
Money raised from this event will support the Carter center's peace, health and freedom initiatives around the world.
A further celebration of President Carter’s birthday is the crowd-building of a new digital mosaic of images, videos, and messages sent in by the public. Add yours at CarterCenter.org/JimmyCarter100
President Carter will celebrate his actual birthday on Oct. 1.