‘He Used to be a Information to Us’

It’s turn into not unusual for presidents and politicians to consort with musicians, however that used to be now not the case within the Nineteen Seventies, when the 2 worlds slightly collided. Beginning together with his run for governor of Georgia within the 1960s and proceeding thru his presidential marketing campaign the next decade, Jimmy Carter proudly and brazenly related to rock-era musicians. Aretha Franklin and Paul Simon performed at his inauguration in 1977, and now not strangely, he used to be pleasant with the main Southern rock bands of the time (a few of whom got here from his own residence state).

Carter additionally tapped into the monetary clout of rock & roll: When enthusiasts purchased tickets to Carter advantages that featured the Allman Brothers Band, the Marshall Tucker Band, and others, his marketing campaign used to be ready to say the gross sales amounted to small donations (and thereby matched federal finances). In a up to now unpublished interview carried out in February 2023, simply over a 12 months ahead of he died, former Allmans singer-guitarist-songwriter Dickey Betts talked with RS about his recollections of Carter. Carter died on Sunday, Dec. 29, on the age of 100.

He used to be fairly a information to us. When he used to be working for governor [in 1966], he ran towards Lester Maddox, who used to be the most important bigot within the nation. We had been embarrassed to mention we had been from Georgia. When Jimmy turned into governor [in 1970], he utterly modified the perspective in Georgia. Hastily, Georgia turned into the Peach State once more. 

Jimmy had a singular approach. He used to be pals with our supervisor, Phil Walden, and Phil instructed us about him. He got here by way of the studio a couple of occasions. That’s the place we met him. He used to be paying attention to recordings we had been doing for Brothers and Sisters. He confirmed up and had a great time with us and we had dinner in combination. We weren’t used to that kind of factor in any respect, however we idea, “This man’s all proper.” He more than likely had his favourite songs however he by no means introduced it up. He did say he preferred “Ramblin’ Guy.” He stated it used to be an actual working-man’s music. 

We turned into with reference to him, and he requested us if we’d assist together with his marketing campaign [with benefit concerts]. We’d met governors and such things as that, however they by no means in point of fact incorporated us. Jimmy used to be a chum to rock track, so a large number of the fellows helped him out an excellent deal. On the time, the federal government stated it will fit cash you raised by yourself [for a campaign]. He didn’t take cash from the Allman Brothers. The [fans who bought tickets] knew the display used to be going to a just right motive. I’ve were given a letter at the wall right here that claims, “Thank you in your recommendation.” [Laughs] It makes me in point of fact proud to have Jimmy Carter write a letter like that to me. 

He used to be a really nice and clever guy. He took the difficulty to visit Gregg [Allman]’s funeral. And he in point of fact cared for the American other people. You’ll see that the best way he did extra after he used to be president than whilst he used to be in place of job, with Habitat for Humanity and the paintings he did that helped the American other people out fairly a little.

Folks don’t notice how nice and significant any person is till they go away. I don’t know a lot about politics, however he stated, “If I set a just right instance, everybody would do just right.” It ain’t that approach in any respect in Washington. They’re vicious other people. Invoice Clinton adopted his fashion, however he may just battle again and outsmart ‘em. 

I have in mind going to a jazz live performance on the White Area [1978]. In fact, I were given there and I left my rattling ID at house. The Marines stated, “Oh, move forward in.” They knew me rather well and knew I wasn’t going to do any hurt. Jimmy used to be strolling across the premises and anyone stated, “Move over and communicate to him,” however I didn’t need to hassle him. Then I went to make use of the boys’s room within the White Area, and as I used to be popping out, I bumped into Jimmy with a gaggle of other people and he stated, “Girls and gents, that is Dickey Betts, probably the most highest songwriters round this present day.” That simply floored me.