President Jimmy Carter recently celebrated his 100th birthday, his latest in a lifetime of extraordinary accomplishments. The former president has long been a friend to artists and musicians (the Allman Brothers famously performed at his campaign rallies in the ‘70s), and the fact remains true today.
A new album, “Last Sunday in the Plains: A Centennial Celebration,” honors Jimmy Carter by setting his words to music – specifically, his final Sunday School lessons he delivered at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia.
The album also features performances by Jon Batiste, LeAnn Rimes and Keb’ Mo’, with orchestration and guitar by Kabir Sehgal. The album recently earned President Carter a Grammy nomination.
“City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Sehgal about this tender tribute to the former president.
“The project really started with a conversation with President Carter and Jason, and it turned into something quite special,” said Sehgal. He continued, “I can’t wait to see future artists inspired by his works and hear about the symphony inspired by Jimmy Carter or the opera inspired by Jimmy Carter or the books.”
