Former President Jimmy Carter made it to the age of 100, and by so doing he fulfilled his ambition to vote for the Democratic candidate in the 2024 presidential election. Time has been justifiably kind to Carter, who, in the years following his single term in office, contributed to a seemingly endless number of diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. Working with Habitat for Humanity beginning in 1985, Carter and his wife Rosalynn helped to build almost 4,000 homes in 14 countries. The Carters braved 100-degree temperatures and came to Houston in the summer of 1998 to lead volunteers in the construction of 100 homes in one week.
Though he was derided as feckless after his loss to Ronald Reagan in 1980, Carter is, at least in most circles, now thought of as man of impeccable character, possessing the highest of moral values.
Not only that, Cater was also – as the title of a 2020 documentary christened him – “the rock and roll president.” In a 1974 speech commemorating Law Day, Carter gained the attention of Rolling Stone writer Hunter Thompson, who quoted the future president as saying, “I grew up as a landowner’s son. But I don’t think I ever realized the proper interrelationship between the landowner and those who worked on a farm until I heard Dylan’s record, “I Ain’t Gonna Work on Maggie’s Farm No More.” So I come here speaking to you today about your subject with a base for my information founded on [theologian] Reinhold Niebuhr and Bob Dylan.”
Carter’s ascent to the national political arena was boosted through fundraising concerts held by a number of southern rock bands, most notably the Allman Brothers. The association was mutually beneficial, as pointed out by Allman Brothers guitarist Dicky Betts, who said, “He was a guide to us,” helping the Deep South to reckon with centuries of slavery, segregation and discrimination.
Gregg Allman recalled showing up way late for a party at the Georgia governor’s mansion in the early ‘70s and being told by a security guard that all of the guests had already left. At that point, he heard Carter calling out and inviting him inside. Allman said that Carter had changed out of his party duds and was barefoot, clad in a T-shirt and blue jeans. The two of them sat up for hours drinking scotch (actually, Allman probably did most of the drinking), with Carter asking Allman about his song lyrics while spinning an Elmore James album that he had just picked up.
Members of The Band and Dylan also visited Carter while he was governor of Georgia, and during his presidency, musicians were always welcome at the White House. Rock and roll types certainly, but also jazz cats like Eubie Blake, Ornette Coleman and Dizzy Gillespie, who coaxed Carter into joining him onstage for a performance of “Salt Peanuts.” Willie Nelson even smoked a joint with one of Carter’s adult children during a White House visit.
At the 1976 Democratic National Convention, Carter again quoted Dylan, insisting that America was “busy being born.” We can only hope that is still the case. Rest easy, Jimmy. Your work here is done.
Ticket Alert
Things are relatively quiet on the concert front this week, with several venues taking a well-deserved break after the holiday season. Which makes it a good time to look ahead to shows coming up in 2025. Tickets for the following concerts are on sale now.
Parasomnia – the upcoming album from prog-metal dudes Dream Theater, will be released on February 7, and the band will slide into Houston a week later, performing at the 713 Music Hall on Friday, February 14. Significantly, the album and tour will mark drummer Mike Portnoy’s return to the band following his departure over a decade ago. What’s parasomnia, you ask? It’s a term that covers a range of unusual behaviors during the sleep cycle, including sleepwalking, sleep paralysis and bedwetting. Now you know!
Former Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell released a solo album (I Want Blood) in October, and he will be on the road promoting it in 2025. The tour’s Houston stop will be on Wednesday, February 26, at the House of Blues.
Blackberry Smoke has been carrying the southern rock banner for some years now, so if you like your rock mixed with a bit of country and mondo sideburns, this is the band for you. Catch them on Friday, March 28, at the 713 Music Hall. And click here for a story about the band opening for ZZ Top.
Concerts This Week
In terms of live music, the Mucky Duck is the place to be, with three Houston favorites performing over the next week. On Thursday, John Egan will be on stage, employing resonator guitars and a stomp box (not to be confused with a guitar pedal) along with his distinctive vocals to produce a unique and haunting sound.
Galveston native and Lamar High School graduate George Ducas has enjoyed success as a songwriter, creating tunes for Garth Brooks, George Jones, The Chicks and Trisha Yearwood while simultaneously maintaining a career as a recording artist. His latest album, Long Way from Home, was produced by Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakum) and delivers the classic Bakersfield honky tonk sound. Catch Ducas on Saturday at the Duck, and read his interview with the Houston Press, in which he discusses the fact that Buck Owens gave him the seal of approval.
In the late ‘70s, it seemed like everyone in Houston with an acoustic guitar was playing Shake Russell’s songs “Deep in the West” and “You’ve Got a Lover.” Russell was beloved then, and he still is today. On Tuesday, the Duck will present “Deep in the Vest: A Tour through Decades of Shake Russell’s Texas Songcraft 1972-1985.” And Russell promises to play all the hits.
