Rock & Roll Meets Presidential Politics
Over President’s Day Weekend, on Saturday, February 19, the Woodstock Vermont Film Series will present “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President,” a look at the surprisingly significant role that music played throughout Carter’s life and in his work becomes a thread in this engaging study of one of the most enigmatic Presidents in American history.
Jimmy Carter became the first U.S. President to openly embrace rock n’ roll. And if it hadn’t been for a bottle of scotch and a late-night visit from musician Gregg Allman, Jimmy Carter might never have been elected. This documentary charts the mostly forgotten story of how Carter, a lover of all types of music, forged a tight bond with musicians Willie Nelson, the Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan and others. Low on campaign funds and lacking in name recognition, Carter relied on support from these artists to give him a crucial boost in the Democratic primaries. Once Carter was elected, the musicians became frequent guests in the White House.
This rockumentary-style presidential portrait, directed by Mary Wharton, features The Allman Brothers, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Madeleine Albright, Bono, Garth Brooks, Jimmy Buffett, Chip Carter, Rosanne Cash, Bishop Michael Curry, Paul Simon, Trisha Yearwood and Andrew Young.
“A potent and poignant reminder of how some things used to be and may never be again.” ~ New York Times
“Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President” will screen at 3pm and 5:30pm, Saturday, February 19 at the Billings Farm & Museum Theater. Reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. Masks and proof of vaccination are required. Purchase tickets and provide proof of vaccination in advance online at billingsfarm.org/filmseries or by phone at 802-457-5303 before noon on Friday. Tickets may be available for purchase at the Ticket Desk on the day of the film if seating allows.
Showing as part of the 12th Annual Woodstock Vermont Film Series, the film reflects Billings Farm & Museum’s vision to share place-based stories of people near and far, to engage our audiences, and to inspire conversations that increase connections with each other and our world.
The Woodstock Vermont Film Series is curated and directed by award-winning filmmaker Jay Craven, produced by the Billings Farm & Museum, with generous support from local sponsors. We gratefully acknowledge our lead sponsors: D. R. Horne & Company and the Woodstock Inn & Resort, as well as Ellaway Property Services, Inc.
